Mountain fires: how to prevent them and our responsibility as hikers

Every summer, thousands of hectares of natural areas are threatened by wildfires, many of them preventable. A small human oversight can have devastating consequences. At this time of year, the risk increases significantly, and as mountain lovers, we must be the first to act responsibly.

Why do wildfires increase in the summer?

- High temperatures and extreme drought.
- Wind that spreads flames rapidly.
- Increased influx of people to natural environments.

Common mistakes that cause fires (even if they seem harmless)

- Throwing away cigarette butts or matches without extinguishing them.
- Cooking or making fire outside of designated areas.
- Leaving flammable waste (glass, cans, aerosols).
- Parking on dry grass with a hot car.
- Do not report any plumes of smoke seen on the route.

Good practices for preventing fires if you go mountain hiking

- Check the fire risk index before you go out.
- Always carry a bag for your waste (and if you can, pick up some more).
Never light a fire, even a small one.
- Use appropriate equipment: a sturdy backpack, fire-resistant clothing if you are doing long routes, and technical footwear with good grip to avoid tripping or off-trail routes.

Good technical footwear like Oriocx, designed for all types of terrain, helps keep you safe and on the marked trail, reducing environmental impact and the risk of accidents that could cause fires.

The importance of example: educating through practice

- Share your responsible outings on social media.
- Teach the little ones the basic rules.
- Correct those you see acting recklessly without confronting them.
- Value the surroundings more than the perfect photograph.

What if you already see a fire or a column of smoke?

- Move away upwind and in a downward direction.
- Do not run towards high areas.
- Call 112 as soon as possible and clearly describe the location and type of fire.
- Signal if you can, without putting yourself at risk.

Closing

Protecting our mountains is not someone else's job: it's ours. Every step we take must be responsible, every decision we make along the way must consider those who will come after us. Because the greatest act of love for nature is to conserve it.