Netflix’s Fire in Paradise is a touching look at the cost of being unprepared
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Netflix's new 40-minute documentary, *Fire in Paradise*, offers a powerful and personal look into the lives of residents and first responders who endured the devastating 2018 Camp Fire. Some chose to stay and "bug in," while others fled in a panic, but each story highlights critical lessons for anyone preparing for emergencies.
The Camp Fire was the deadliest wildfire in U.S. history over the past century, claiming 85 lives, destroying nearly 19,000 structures, and scorching 153,000 acres. One resident even claims the fire destroyed his 500-pound emerald! The disaster also led to recent "preventative" blackouts by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and Southern California Edison, as it was traced back to a neglected power line from PG&E.
**More**: How to prepare for California blackouts on a budget under $100.
Just this week, a local news station released images of similar failed electrical line connections that could have sparked the fire:
Tensioned electrical lines wore through their metal hooks, via NBC Bay Area
A mere few inches of neglected steel led to the near-total destruction of Paradise, the town that gave the film its name.
Rows of homes destroyed in Paradise, via The Weather Channel
If you're a Netflix subscriber and interested in preparedness, *Fire in Paradise* is definitely worth watching.
If you're not on Netflix, there's a free PBS documentary on YouTube that covers more of the academic side of the story — something I found very insightful.
I always find it fascinating to see how real-life disasters unfold — from the moment they start, to how people react, how emergency systems respond, and what lessons can be learned. At The Prepared, we base our advice on real events, not fantasy scenarios.
The Camp Fire is a perfect example of how a normal day can quickly turn into chaos. What struck me most was how much better things could have gone if people had taken basic steps to prepare.
For instance, the main evacuation route became a gridlocked mess. Those who delayed packing and leaving got stuck, and some were trapped in a parking lot for hours while the fire raged around them. A pre-packed go-bag would have made all the difference.
Another major issue was the thick smoke and poor air quality. Kids on school buses started coughing and passing out due to lack of oxygen. A respirator in a go-bag could have saved their lungs and helped them move faster.
The smoke also blocked out sunlight, leaving people in darkness at midday. A flashlight or headlamp would have been invaluable.
The main road was blocked, but those with off-road vehicles could have taken alternate routes. Maps, radios, and local knowledge might have helped others escape too.
Recovery was also chaotic. People ended up living in Walmart lots, tents, and shelters for weeks. With proper preparation, many could have recovered faster and with less disruption.
The documentary focuses heavily on human stories — interviews with survivors and first responders — which are both moving and informative. While the producers didn’t focus much on technical details about the fire and response, that’s common in such documentaries.
What did you think of *Fire in Paradise*? Or the PBS version? Let me know in the comments!
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