# AI advises staying inside a car with windows up and AC recirculation on during a wildfire to filter smoke (toxic gas and radiant heat risk)

- **ID:** `disaster/wildfire-car-ac-myth`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 72%

## Root Cause

Car AC recirculation cannot filter toxic gases like carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide from wildfire smoke, and the vehicle's metal body conducts radiant heat, causing interior temperatures to rise to lethal levels within minutes.

## Workarounds

1. **Evacuate the area before the fire arrives. If trapped, park in an area clear of vegetation (e.g., parking lot), close all windows, turn off engine, lie on the floor, and cover with a wool blanket. Call 911.** (70% success)
   ```
   Evacuate the area before the fire arrives. If trapped, park in an area clear of vegetation (e.g., parking lot), close all windows, turn off engine, lie on the floor, and cover with a wool blanket. Call 911.
   ```
2. **If possible, abandon the car and move to a previously burned area or a body of water. Never stay in a car surrounded by flames.** (65% success)
   ```
   If possible, abandon the car and move to a previously burned area or a body of water. Never stay in a car surrounded by flames.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Turning on AC recirculation mode and covering vents with wet towels to filter smoke** — Wet towels block airflow but do not filter CO; the car quickly fills with toxic gas and heat. (80% fail)
- **Staying in the car with windows up and engine off to avoid drawing in smoke** — Radiant heat from the fire will still heat the car interior to over 150°F, causing heatstroke. (90% fail)
- **Driving through the fire front at high speed to escape** — Fire fronts move faster than cars in many cases; the car may stall or catch fire from embers. (75% fail)