Mass Evacuations and Mass Property Loss Fires: Part 1

Mass Evacuations and Mass Property Loss Fires: Part 1

When fires get out of control, which means the fire department is no longer able to control and confine the fire, then the fire is considered a “wildfire.” It may be brush, forest, or buildings that are on fire and overwhelming the resources available to the fire department. Generally, though, a wildfire is most associated with an out-of-control vegetation fire, which involves structure fires as well.

All too often, we see videos of entire swaths of residential areas getting chewed up by extraordinary flames devouring a community. The blame is often cited as effects of climate change, or faulty vegetation management by the authorities, or even choosing to live in environments that weren’t meant for humans. Occasionally, the blame is directed at one of the worst culprits… no defensible space! While all the above are certainly contributors to mass property loss fires, one factor is expressly forbidden to discuss; the one factor that perhaps plays the most important role in determining if there will be destruction of entire residential areas—mass evacuations.

Mandatory evacuation during a wildfire seems like the most prudent and safe action to take by the authorities, and most, if not all people would agree. But are mandatory evacuations a good idea? Certainly, not for some people, as many times during these large property loss fires, evacuees are overtaken by the fire and injured or killed. Then again, what would have been their alternative? Is there an alternative? And aren’t more people saved by fleeing?

This is a series of blogs that will answer those questions. And in so doing, violate the sacred tenet of: Thou shalt leave when ordered to do so.