We were in the Columbia River Gorge (border between WA and OR) this weekend, where a new wild fire trapped 150+ hikers in a popular day use area. They were forced to shelter in place over night, but hiked 14 miles to another trail head this morning. More details here:

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2017/09/150_hikers_rescued_and_reunited_eagle_creek_fire.html

Which raises the question, what gear or behaviors would have made this situation less dangerous or uncomfortable for the hikers? 

The usual stuff that will be particularly useful int his scenario-

• 10 essentials, including a map, extra food and water, extra layers, etc.
• Tell someone your plan, including location and estimated return time
• Cell phone charger
• Pay attention- smell smoke, head home

Some other ideas-

• Mask- N95 or Buff
• Leather work gloves
• Ham radio, skill to use it, frequencies for local repeaters and agencies
• Have a plan for a second exit route- another trail head, where the loop gets close to a highway, the shortest ridge, etc.

What else?

Spot, plb, epirb - satellite communications as cell service in mountains is always suspect.  Don't cross firelines.    Always get daily forecast for winds and fire positions.  Know where bodies of water are and big spots of bare rock& dirt  and where has already been burned which are the only survivable zones if you need to shelter from being overrun by a forest fire.

Synthetics burn like crazy( petroleum based) and melt to skin.   If you're going to think you're going to get exposed to cinders or flames, and you have them,change and wear natural fiber (wool or cotton).  A blend is better than pure synthetics.  If your a nature guy/gal an using a wool blanket vice a sleep bag or comforter, be prepared to use that as a heat shield.

I've backpacked in when there was a fire two canyons over.. It was great, had the whole wilderness to myself

know your area, keep escape routes in mind and most of all know wild land fire behavior. If its downhill from you, youre not going to outrun it. Steep canyons are chimneys. Look up if youre down hill from it. Trees and rocks and stuff will displace and roll. Comms to the outside world to broadcast a mayday are probably your best resource but its not like there is usually cell service where you go.

General consensus- know the area, have a plan B, have comms to the outside world. Thanks for the responses, all!