# AI advises sheltering in a dry ditch or gully during a wildfire (radiant heat and fire whirl risk)

- **ID:** `disaster/wildfire-dry-ditch-myth`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 80%

## Root Cause

Dry ditches and gullies concentrate radiant heat, funnel flames, and can generate fire whirls; they also trap smoke, leading to asphyxiation, and offer no protection from ember showers.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| NFPA Wildland Fire Safety 2023 | active | — | — |
| CalFire Evacuation Guidelines v4.2 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **If trapped, find a large, non-vegetated area (e.g., a parking lot or bare rock face) and lie face-down, covering your body with a wool blanket or jacket. Call 911 and provide GPS coordinates.** (65% success)
   ```
   If trapped, find a large, non-vegetated area (e.g., a parking lot or bare rock face) and lie face-down, covering your body with a wool blanket or jacket. Call 911 and provide GPS coordinates.
   ```
2. **Pre-evacuate when a wildfire warning is issued. Use the 'Watch Duty' app for real-time fire perimeter updates. Do not wait for a direct order.** (95% success)
   ```
   Pre-evacuate when a wildfire warning is issued. Use the 'Watch Duty' app for real-time fire perimeter updates. Do not wait for a direct order.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Assuming that being below ground level shields from heat; radiant heat can still be lethal from nearby flames. (70% fail)
- **** — Believing that dry vegetation in a ditch won't burn; embers can ignite it instantly. (55% fail)