As climate change increases the risk of wildfires in the Western U.S., hikers may encounter smoke and flames more often.
Hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail, for example, witnessed multiple fires this year. Some even had to evacuate.
Chris Rylee is with the Pacific Crest Trail Association.
Rylee: “There have been a few hikers here and there who have been caught up in those evacuations, had to use their safety devices to request search and rescue support to get out.”
He says having a way to keep up with emergency alerts while hiking is critical. And he suggests carrying a GPS-enabled device that can call for help.
Rylee: “A lot of people are trying to get away from technology, to unplug … but folks do need to be responsible in keeping up with emergency information such as this.”
Hikers should also prepare for possible fires before getting on the trail. Rylee suggests packing maps that show possible escape routes and telling someone where they’ll be and when.
And people should learn how to predict a fire’s likely path, so if they’re caught near a fire, they can get to safety quickly. For example, flames tend to move faster uphill and with the wind.
By staying prepared and alert, hikers can continue to enjoy the great outdoors, even as the threat of wildfire grows.
Reporting credit: Ethan Freedman / ChavoBart Digital Media
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