Just weeks before devastating wildfires hit, Spokane practiced a mass evacuation – the drill paid off

Evacuations in the face of a wildfire, hurricane or other disaster are stressful and can take more time than you might expect. Here’s why practice helps and what to think about.

By: Ashley Bosa, Boise State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: August 6, 2026

Words: 1,192

Last Updated: 1 week, 5 days ago

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By Ashley Bosa, Boise State University

When a wildfire is headed your way, evacuating may sound straightforward: Gather your belongings, get in the car and leave.

In reality, it is one of the most complex decisions a person can face.

Fast-moving fires, shifting winds, heavy smoke and limited escape routes can quickly turn an orderly evacuation into gridlock. In many wildfire-prone communities, especially those built into steep hillsides or surrounded by forests, neighborhoods often …

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