Smoke and fire signals
A column of smoke can be seen from far away in daylight, and a fire is easy to spot at night. Signal fires are powerful, but they must be built and managed carefully so they don't become a danger themselves.
Fire safety first
- Never light a fire in very dry conditions, strong wind or where fires are banned unless your life truly depends on it.
- Choose open ground clear of overhanging branches, dry grass and peat. Clear a circle down to bare earth or rock.
- Keep water, sand or earth nearby to put it out.
- Never leave a fire unattended in a way that could let it spread.
Prepare in advance
Rescue aircraft may pass quickly, so have a signal fire ready to light, rather than trying to build it when you hear an engine.
- Build a small platform of logs or stones to keep the fire off wet ground.
- Lay dry tinder and kindling on top, ready to light.
- Pile fuel to make smoke beside it, ready to add.
- Keep your lighter or matches dry and close at hand.
Making smoke stand out
Choose smoke that contrasts with the background.
- White smoke shows up well against dark forest or ground. Make it by adding green leaves, fresh branches, moss or a little water to a hot fire.
- Dark smoke shows up best against snow, sand or a pale sky. Burning rubber or oil-soaked material makes black smoke, but it is toxic, so stay upwind and only use it if it's all you have.
Add smoke fuel gradually so you don't smother the flames.
Three fires
Three fires in a triangle or a straight line are a widely recognised distress signal. Space them about 30 metres apart if you can. If you can only manage one, keep it going well and add smoke when you see or hear aircraft.
At night
At night, the light of the flames matters more than the smoke. Keep the fire bright and dry. A fire on high, open ground is visible from much further away.
Smoke and weather
Smoke rises best in calm air. In strong wind it spreads out low and is harder to see. Rain or low cloud can hide it completely, so use other signals too: bright colours, ground symbols and a whistle.
Put it out properly
When you're rescued or move on, drown the fire with water, stir the ashes and drown it again until everything is cold to the touch.
This article is in the Grid Survivor app, searchable with no signal. Get the app · £4.99