Why don't some people evacuate during a fire?

Question

I live in So CA where there are a lot of fires going on. I am hearing reports that some people will not evacuate their homes even though it is mandatory. Are people just stupid and have a death wish or is there a point I am missing here?

Answer 1

Forrest Gump spoke to that; "Stupid is as stupid does!"

Answer 2

I'd imagine that it would be fear keeping them in their homes. They will fear if they leave it that they will not know what is going on or what they will return to. If they stay, the feel they will have control if anything should happen.

Panic makes people act differently.

Of course, it might simply be that they do no believe there is a threat to them.

Answer 3

Some people are idiots.

Answer 4

'cause they regret the house( some of the house there cost like million of $)

Answer 5

As a California resident I wonder why we do not have laws making it illegal not to leave during a mandatory evacuation.

Answer 6

Some of them believe they can help protect their own homes by keeping a hose running. If they're watching their own home, the firemen can save someone else's. It's risky, but not certain death.

Answer 7

They are either just ignorant or just too stubborn, to leave their homes in an event that a disater will strike.  I'm sure that the insurance money, will either help them to relocate or to rebuild their homes.

Answer 8

Some people are ignorant enought to believe the fire will just burn around them, and they think if they stay, they can save some of their possessions.  That death wish is surely an option.

Answer 9

Too materialistic! When fire threatens human life, common sense says do not take chances, leave get out! Those who stay, value material; things more than their God given life! Do it and make God mad and bad things can and will happen! Only time to even consider staying is when you own antique milk bottle collection like I do , but I would clear the stay with God, before I committed to that action!