Researchers are working to understand how people behave during wildfire events and how to most effectively get people to safety during deadly fires.

In a piece for Wired, Aarian Marshall describes the growing field of wildlife evacuation research, which is becoming a more crucial piece of cities’ emergency plans as wildfires become more destructive and unpredictable.
When evacuations go wrong, they really go wrong. In LA’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood, panicked drivers stuck in traffic abandoned their vehicles in the middle of evacuation routes, leaving emergency crews unable to reach the fires. Authorities used bulldozers to push empty cars out of the way.”
Researchers are working to understand how people respond to evacuations and how to most effectively get key information across in emergency situations. “The research thus far suggests that reactions to wildfires, and whether people choose to stay, go, or just wait around for a while, can be determined by a bunch of things: whether residents have been through wildfire warnings before, and whether those warnings were followed by actual threats; how the emergency is being communicated to them; and how the neighbors around them react.”
While some residents who have experienced fires before are more likely to stay, others are more likely to evacuate. Lower-income people are less likely to flee, most likely due to reduced access to transportation and lodging. According to Marshall, “It’s a faint silver lining, that the horror Californians experienced this week might produce important findings that will help others avoid the worst in the future.”
FULL STORY: The Evolving (and Inexact) Science of Wildfire Evacuation

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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