The American West Knows How to Flee Fires
Residents in the American West are increasingly forced to adapt to frequent wildfire evacuations. The piece highlights the psychological and physical toll of living in fire-prone regions as climate conditions worsen.
Why it matters
It illustrates the human impact of climate change and the normalization of emergency preparedness in suburban and rural American life.
Evacuation has become a familiar, terrible summer ordeal.
Lindsey Wasson / AP August 6, 2026, 10:40 AM ET Share Save
In the western United States, particularly in fire-prone areas, people have become well versed at preparing to flee. They’re experts at using the tools and technology for monitoring a wildfire’s advance; they consult the Watch Duty app as often as checking the time. They know the three levels of evacuation— Ready , Set , Go —and many perform a running calculation of how much time they might need to get to safety.
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