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

- **ID:** `disaster/wildfire-car-ac-recirculation`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 78%

## Root Cause

Cars do not seal tightly; smoke and toxic gases (carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide) infiltrate rapidly. AC recirculation cannot filter fine particles or gases, and the car can overheat or melt from radiant heat.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| 1.0 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Evacuate the area immediately when a wildfire warning is issued. Do not wait for flames to approach. Close all windows and vents before leaving. Drive away from the fire perpendicular to wind direction.** (93% success)
   ```
   Evacuate the area immediately when a wildfire warning is issued. Do not wait for flames to approach. Close all windows and vents before leaving. Drive away from the fire perpendicular to wind direction.
   ```
2. **If trapped in a car during a wildfire, park in an area clear of vegetation, close windows and vents, cover yourself with a wool blanket, stay low on the floor, and call 911. Do not use AC.** (80% success)
   ```
   If trapped in a car during a wildfire, park in an area clear of vegetation, close windows and vents, cover yourself with a wool blanket, stay low on the floor, and call 911. Do not use AC.
   ```
3. **If you must shelter in a car, use a N95 mask or wet cloth over nose and mouth. Monitor air quality and heat inside. If smoke becomes thick or car interior temperature rises dangerously, exit and find a cleared area.** (72% success)
   ```
   If you must shelter in a car, use a N95 mask or wet cloth over nose and mouth. Monitor air quality and heat inside. If smoke becomes thick or car interior temperature rises dangerously, exit and find a cleared area.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Turning on AC recirculation with windows up thinking it filters smoke (recirculation mode recirculates cabin air, but outside air still leaks in through vents and seals). (90% fail)
- **** — Wrapping wet towels around car windows to seal gaps (towels dry out and catch fire; heat melts plastic). (85% fail)
- **** — Believing the car's cabin air filter can remove wildfire smoke (standard filters only capture >10 micron particles; wildfire PM2.5 passes through easily). (82% fail)