# AI advises running uphill away from a wildfire to escape the flames

- **ID:** `disaster/wildfire-run-uphill-away-fire-myth`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 82%

## Root Cause

Wildfires move faster uphill due to preheating of vegetation and updrafts; running uphill puts you directly in the fire's path and reduces escape time.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| NWCG Fire Behavior | active | — | — |
| FEMA Wildfire | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Move perpendicular to the fire's direction of travel, but toward a burn area, road, or water body, not uphill** (80% success)
   ```
   Move perpendicular to the fire's direction of travel, but toward a burn area, road, or water body, not uphill
   ```
2. **If trapped, find a large clearing, lie face down in a depression, and cover yourself with dirt or a fire shelter** (70% success)
   ```
   If trapped, find a large clearing, lie face down in a depression, and cover yourself with dirt or a fire shelter
   ```
3. **Pre-plan evacuation routes and leave early; do not wait for a fire to approach** (90% success)
   ```
   Pre-plan evacuation routes and leave early; do not wait for a fire to approach
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Fire spreads rapidly uphill, and the top is where the fire front hits first; you may be overtaken (90% fail)
- **** — Fire behavior is unpredictable; perpendicular escape may still be in the path of spot fires or fire whirls (50% fail)
- **** — Valleys can funnel smoke and heat, and fire may jump across, trapping you (70% fail)