Paradise, California, United States
#00242
FailedCity
Case study of
#00318 Create community-specific wildfire evacuation plans and exercises
Implementer
Butte County and local emergency authorities
Timeline
Since Nov 8, 2018
Location
Paradise, California, United States39.7596, -121.6219
Description
The Camp Fire (November 8, 2018) triggered a mass evacuation of Paradise, Concow, and Magalia through a limited road network while wind-driven fire and long-range spotting rapidly overtook the area. The evacuation system failed to protect all residents because route capacity and warning lead times were insufficient relative to fire spread speed. This case documents a failed implementation where actual fire behavior exceeded the assumptions built into the existing evacuation plan.
Lessons learned
- Evacuation planning must model clearance time against worst-case fire arrival rates, including long-range spotting that can place fire ahead of evacuees on planned routes.
- Temporary refuge areas must be pre-designated and communicated to residents as a fallback when outbound roads become impassable during simultaneous zone evacuations.
Documented Jul 30, 2026