The National Institute of Standards and Technology has released an updated version of its wildfire evacuation and sheltering report for U.S. communities.
According to NIST, the guidance – titled Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Evacuation and Sheltering Considerations: Assessment, Planning, and Execution (ESCAPE) – builds on lessons from past wildfires and incorporates feedback from more than 30 communities across California.
The report, first released in 2023, focuses on no-notice wildfire evacuations and sheltering strategies when traditional escape routes become inaccessible.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology stated that the updated ESCAPE guidance introduces the concept of Temporary Fire Refuge Areas (TFRAs).
These locations are intended to offer last-resort shelter when evacuation is no longer possible.
The 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California, prompted the development of this concept after fire behavior blocked roads and prevented many residents from escaping.
NIST noted that first responders improvised by guiding evacuees to safer open spaces, which helped save over 1,200 lives.
The updated ESCAPE guidance recommends that communities identify and prepare TFRAs in advance, including signage and basic information for residents.
NIST emphasized that these areas are not a substitute for evacuation but may improve survival chances in emergencies.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology reported that wildfires such as the 2023 Maui event highlight the need for advance planning.
The ESCAPE document encourages officials to prepare for scenarios where communities have little or no time to respond.
NIST explained that pre-designating refuge areas, ensuring alternate routes, and deploying multiple communication methods are essential.
Alexander Maranghides, fire protection engineer at NIST and lead author of the report, said: “This report can save thousands of lives because it offers a science-backed approach to planning for worst-case scenarios.”
Maranghides added: “We need a rigorous approach because we have seen, time and time again, that these fires are unforgiving.”
The National Institute of Standards and Technology added that the ESCAPE guidance now includes updated information on “decision zones.”
These zones help responders determine when to switch from evacuation to shelter-in-place strategies based on fire proximity.
NIST stated that as conditions shift, the new model gives local officials greater flexibility to make real-time choices suited to the severity of the situation.
Mapping out evacuation zones in advance can help responders apply different protocols depending on the fire’s location.
The report explains how these adjustments can prevent traffic congestion and reduce the risk of residents being trapped during evacuation attempts.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology confirmed that the updated ESCAPE report is supported by new online resources.
These include fact sheets summarizing critical information and an interactive web course designed to improve usability.
According to NIST, the materials are available free of charge on its website and aim to help officials understand and implement the recommendations.
The fire group at NIST continues to work with state and local governments to promote adoption of the guidance.
Maranghides said: “Most large buildings have fire evacuation plans. In areas where there could be a wildfire, it’s just as important to have an evacuation plan for the entire community, including how to respond to no-notice events.”
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has published an updated version of its wildfire evacuation and sheltering guidance.
The document is titled Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Evacuation and Sheltering Considerations: Assessment, Planning, and Execution (ESCAPE).
The updated guidance includes new tools for community planning in high-risk wildfire areas in the United States.
ESCAPE was first published in 2023 following analysis of the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California.
The 2025 edition includes feedback from over 30 communities that used the original guidance.
Key updates include the addition of Temporary Fire Refuge Areas (TFRAs) for use when evacuation is not possible.
ESCAPE emphasizes planning for no-notice evacuations and multiple communication methods.
The guidance introduces flexible decision zones for adapting strategies based on fire movement.
NIST has also released an online course and support materials to help with implementation.
All materials are available free on the NIST website.
Maranghides is the lead author of the report and a fire protection engineer at NIST.
