Forest or grass fire: what to do, step by step

Smoke in the woods. Below: what to do right away, what next, when to call 112 and what to avoid. The same instructions are in the free SurvivalZone app and work without internet.

Open in the app (works offline)

First, right now

See smoke or fire in a forest? Call 112 and give the exact place: the road, a forest marker, or coordinates from the app.
Move away sideways from the fire, across the wind, towards roads, water, farmland or ground that has already burned.
Cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth or piece of clothing.

Then

Fire moves faster uphill. Do not run uphill if the fire is below you.
In a car: if smoke blocks the road, stop in an open area, close windows and vents, keep the lights on and lie low under a blanket.
Follow the fire service and local authorities. When told to evacuate, leave at once, before roads are blocked.
At a house near the forest: close windows and doors, move flammable things away from the walls, get a garden hose ready.
Think of animals and neighbours who may not know about the fire.

When to call 112

Always when you see smoke or fire in a forest or field. Immediately if someone is surrounded by fire or burned.

What not to do

Do not fight a large fire yourself. A small one can be smothered with a shovel or soil if you have a way out.
Do not run with the wind or into thick undergrowth.
Do not drive into smoke.
Do not light fires, smoke or barbecue in the forest, especially in a drought.

Keep it on your phone

SurvivalZone is a free app for every emergency, with no account and no app store. It works without internet and shows the nearest shelters and help points, local radio, a 72-hour plan and a mountain trip planner.

Open the SurvivalZone app

Other scenarios

Sources

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-10-18.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.