Burn treatment in the immediate following minutes can make a great difference in the seriousness of the injury.

Immediate treatment of burn victims:

1.    “Stop, drop and roll” to suffocate the flames.
2.    Remove burnt clothes. If the clothes stick to the skin, cut or rip the fabric around the burnt area.
3.    Remove jewelry, belts, tight clothes, etc. near the burnt areas or around the victim’s neck. This is very important, since burnt areas swell immediately.

Burn types

First degree burns
First degree burns are limited to the skin’s superficial layer. Sunburns are first degree burns.

Signs:
•    Redness
•    Tenderness
•    The skin will swell a little.

Treatment:

•    Apply cold or wet packs or submerge the affected area in cold water. Continue until the pain passes.
•    Cover the burn with non adhesive, sterile gauze or with a clean towel.
•    Do not apply ointments or butter, this may cause an infection.
•    Medication without prescription may be applied to help alleviate the pain and reduce swelling.
•    Usually, first degree burns are cured without any additional treatment. However, if it is a first degree burn covering a large area or if the victim is a child or elderly person, seek emergency medical attention.
Second degree burns
Second degree burns affect the first two layers of the skin.

Signs:

•    Serious skin redness.
•    Pain
•    Blistering
•    Shiny appearance due to suppurating liquid
•    Possible partial skin loss

Treatment:

•    Apply cold or wet packs or submerge the affected area in cold water. Continue the operation during 10 to 15 minutes.
•    Dry with a clean towel and cover with sterile gauze.
•    Do not break blisters.
•    Do not apply ointments or butter, this may cause an infection.
•    Elevate burnt legs or arms.

Take measures to avoid shock: Make the victim lie down, elevate their feet approximately 12 inches and cover them with a coat or blanket. Do not place the victim in shock position if you suspect the existence of an injury at the head, back or legs or if the victim is uncomfortable in said position.
Additional medical attention is required. Do not attempt to treat serious burns unless you are a trained health professional.

Third degree burns

A third degree burns penetrate the skin entirely and destroy the tissue.
Signs:
•    Loss of skin layers.
•    The injury is often painless. (The pain may be produced by areas with first degree and second degree burns that often surround the third degree burns). 
•    The skin is dry and leathery.
•    The skin may appear charred or with white, brown or black spots.

Treatment:

•    Slightly cover the burn with a sterile gauze or clean towel. (Do not use any material that might leave residue in the burn).
•    Do not apply ointments or butter, this may cause an infection.
•    Take measures to avoid shock: make the victim lie down and elevate their feet approximately 12 inches (30 cm).
•    Make the person sit down if the face is burnt. Observe the victim carefully to detect breathing problems.
•    Elevate the burnt area above the victim’s head, if possible. Keep the victim comfortable and warm and beware of any shock sign.
•    Do not place a pillow under the victim’s head if they are lying down and have a burnt airway. This may close the airway.
•    Immediate medical attention is required. Do not attempt to treat serious burns unless you are a trained health professional.

General recommendations:

Smoke in forest fires may cause health problems for everyone, but especially people with heart and pulmonary conditions, the elderly and children. Beware of local authority instructions. Do not light candles near flammable objects. Do not use gas stoves or vacuum cleaners. Do not use dust mask because they trap harmful particles. If you suffer from asthma or other pulmonary conditions, continue your normal respiratory control. Visit your doctor if you are having trouble breathing.

Populations in risk during forest fires:

Smoke in forest fires is a health threat for people with heart and pulmonary conditions, the elderly and children. Beware of local authority instructions and try not to breathe the smoke, even in small amounts. Keep indoor air as clean as possible. If you suffer from asthma or other pulmonary conditions, continue your normal respiratory control. Visit your doctor if you are having trouble breathing or if your common symptoms worsen.

Worker safety while cleaning areas affected by the fire
Even after the fire has been extinguished, workers face risks. Besides the risk of a smoky area or a new fire, the following is included:
Electrical hazard
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Musculoskeletal injury risk
Thermal risk
Hazardous materials
Enclosed spaces

Volunteers and workers must be informed about safety measures and they must abide to them. Experience levels of workers and volunteers is variables, therefore the cleaning teams must work together to guarantee safety.