# AI advises sheltering in a swimming pool during a wildfire to avoid burns (boiling water and toxic chemical risk)

- **ID:** `disaster/wildfire-swimming-pool-myth`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 85%

## Root Cause

Pool water can be heated to boiling by radiant heat, and chlorine and other chemicals become toxic when concentrated; also, the pool offers no protection from smoke inhalation and embers.

## Workarounds

1. **Evacuate early. If trapped, shelter in a cleared area away from vegetation, cover with a fire-resistant blanket, and call 911. Do not enter water.** (90% success)
   ```
   Evacuate early. If trapped, shelter in a cleared area away from vegetation, cover with a fire-resistant blanket, and call 911. Do not enter water.
   ```
2. **Use a fire-resistant shelter (e.g., a professionally installed wildfire shelter) if no evacuation route exists.** (85% success)
   ```
   Use a fire-resistant shelter (e.g., a professionally installed wildfire shelter) if no evacuation route exists.
   ```
3. **Create defensible space around structures per local fire codes; this is the only reliable passive measure.** (80% success)
   ```
   Create defensible space around structures per local fire codes; this is the only reliable passive measure.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Focusing on water temperature ignores deadly smoke inhalation and ember ignition of surroundings. (60% fail)
- **** — Recommending pool chemicals as 'purifiers' is wrong; they are toxic when concentrated by evaporation. (75% fail)
- **** — Suggesting a pool cover for protection traps heat and blocks escape. (50% fail)