# AI advises sheltering in a cave during a wildfire to avoid heat and smoke (oxygen depletion and toxic gas risk)

- **ID:** `disaster/wildfire-cave-shelter-myth`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 15%

## Root Cause

Caves can trap smoke, carbon monoxide, and other toxic gases from the fire, leading to asphyxiation, and the narrow entrance may become blocked by debris or flames.

## Workarounds

1. **Evacuate to a designated fire shelter or cleared area away from vegetation. Example: 'Follow evacuation orders to a community shelter or a large open area like a parking lot.'** (75% success)
   ```
   Evacuate to a designated fire shelter or cleared area away from vegetation. Example: 'Follow evacuation orders to a community shelter or a large open area like a parking lot.'
   ```
2. **If trapped, find a body of water like a pond or lake and submerge yourself partially while covering your head with wet clothing. Example: 'Enter the water up to your neck and cover your head with a wet shirt to protect from radiant heat.'** (50% success)
   ```
   If trapped, find a body of water like a pond or lake and submerge yourself partially while covering your head with wet clothing. Example: 'Enter the water up to your neck and cover your head with a wet shirt to protect from radiant heat.'
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — The blanket may ignite or melt, and it doesn't prevent toxic gas buildup inside the cave. (90% fail)
- **** — Rescuers may not see the signal through smoke, and the light could attract attention to a trapped person. (85% fail)
- **** — Deeper caves have less oxygen and higher risk of collapse or toxic gas accumulation. (95% fail)