Against The Odds The Big Burn | Evacuations | 3
Oct 14, 2025
In a gripping tale of survival, firefighters and locals face a terrifying megafire. Ed Pulaski guides his crew to an old mining tunnel while his wife Emma rushes to evacuate with their daughter. Chaos unfolds as residents scramble to escape, confronting panic and uncertainty. Tensions rise on a full train, where racial issues emerge amidst the smoky turmoil. The episode delves into harrowing moments of brave decisions, revealing the human spirit's resilience against nature's fury.
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Root Cellar Panic And A Crushed Victim
- Domenico Bruno and others cram into a tiny root cellar while nearby trees crash and flames consume the homestead.
- Dom panics, vomits, and is crushed when the cellar entrance becomes blocked by falling debris.
Simple Measures Bought Time In The Tunnel
- Ed Pulaski used wet cloths and a blanket to block smoke and keep the tunnel entrance cooler for his men.
- His decisive actions—tying, wetting, and guarding the entrance—helped many survive despite the blanket catching fire.
Stay Low And Guard Smoke Barriers
- Keep low to the ground where air is clearest and cooler during a wildfire and wet coverings help reduce smoke entry.
- Station someone to maintain wet barriers and monitor exits to prevent panic and unsafe escapes.
