When dealing with a fire, should you position yourself inby or outby the fire?

Positioning yourself outby a fire, especially in the context of a coal mine or similar environments, is crucial for safety and survival. Being outby means you are located away from the source of the fire, which decreases your risk of exposure to heat, smoke, and potentially harmful gases that can be produced by a fire.

When a fire occurs, the movement of toxic gases and smoke can be unpredictable, and positioning yourself outby ensures that you are moving toward a safer area, ideally towards an exit or a designated safe zone. Furthermore, this positioning allows for a better escape route, reducing the chances of injury or panic that could occur if you were closer to the fire.

In situations involving fire, especially within confined or hazardous environments like coal mines, it is essential to maintain awareness of the conditions. Moving away (outby) typically aligns with emergency protocols designed to protect miners and personnel from the dangers associated with fires. This enhances your chances of remaining safe while allowing first responders or firefighting teams to manage the fire effectively without endangering anyone further.