logo
episode-header-image
Today
41m 9s

The Big Burn | Evacuations | 3

Wondery
About this episode

As teams of firefighters and forest rangers find themselves trapped by the megafire and unable to help, residents of Wallace and Avery prepare to evacuate. While Ed Pulaski and his crew take shelter in an old mining tunnel, Ed’s wife Emma decides to flee with their daughter Elsie to an old mining dump on the outskirts of town, hoping she’s made the right decision. 

Order your copy of the new Against the Odds book, How to Survive Against the Odds: Tales & Tips for Animal Attacks and Natural Disasters, for stories of everyday people confronted by life-or-death situations, showing you how they survived—and how you can too. Learn more at SurvivalGuidebook.com.

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

Listen to Against The Odds on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting http://wondery.com/links/against-the-odds/ now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Up next
Oct 7
The Big Burn | The Blow-Up | 2
As the fires spread, ranger Ed Pulaski tries to lead his men on a last-ditch effort to save the town of Wallace. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Soldiers race to build firebreaks around Avery, and head ranger Bill Weigle realizes he’s made a terrible mistake. Order your copy of the new Ag ... Show More
38m 11s
Sep 30
The Big Burn | The Driest Summer | 1
In the summer of 1910, a severe drought turned Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene National Forest into a tinderbox. Spot fires cropped up around the mining towns of Wallace and Avery and it was the job of forest rangers like Ed Pulaski to put them out. But when a massive windstorm swept throu ... Show More
41m 24s
Sep 23
Siula Grande: Over the Edge | Making Peace With It, With Simon Yates | 4
In 1985, high on Peru’s Siula Grande, everything went wrong, and two climbers made choices that became mountaineering lore. Simon Yates joins host Cassie De Pecol to talk about risk, survival, and being known as “the guy who cut the rope.”If you’d like to learn more about Simon's ... Show More
33m 50s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 23
The Plague of San Francisco | The Wolf Doctor | 2
With plague spreading in San Francisco, Dr. Joseph Kinyoun faces fierce resistance from a city and state desperate to protect its image. Unwilling to back down, Kinyoun's (KIHN-yuunz) relentless efforts to contain the plague put him at odds with powerful opponents determined to s ... Show More
39m 30s
Sep 16
The Plague in San Francisco | The Year of the Rat | 1
When a deadly outbreak of bubonic plague hits San Francisco, a brilliant young bacteriologist named Joseph Kinyoun is tasked with stopping the spread. But as Kinyoun soon discovers, he is battling not just the disease, but a group of politicians more concerned about profits than ... Show More
39m 40s
Feb 2025
Station Nightclub Fire | Lives Lost | 3
After learning about the fire, the community of West Warwick is horrified at the devastation the tragedy caused. Victims and their families demand answers, and soon Rhode Island’s Attorney General launches a grand jury investigation to find out not only how the fire spread so qui ... Show More
38m 43s
Apr 2025
The Whole Foods Rebellion | Tiny Acorns, Mighty Oaks | 2
CEO John Mackey is on a mission to take Whole Foods national. But he is about to run into major opposition. And to succeed in his quest, he must face down rebellious employees, ambitious rivals, animal rights activists and his own father.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newes ... Show More
45m 1s
Jul 3
Breaking Bell | Wheelin' & Dealin' | 2
Deals to secure the future of AT&T fall apart as the fight for the future of America’s telephone system turns increasingly fractious, and the continuing crisis forces John deButts to make the most difficult decision of his career.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcas ... Show More
33m 48s
Apr 2025
The Whole Foods Rebellion | Vision Quest | 1
When Texas hippie John Mackey opens an organic supermarket, he gets high on running a business. But when his ambitions sink its profits, sparks fly between him and his co-founders. They clash over the question of whether to chase a bigger dream or enjoy the money they’re already ... Show More
36m 38s
Jan 2025
Station Nightclub Fire | No Exit | 2
On the night of February 20, 2003, excitement fills the Station as the crowd eagerly awaits a performance by Jack Russell and Great White. But seconds into the show, sparks from a pyrotechnic display ignite the walls, unleashing a fire that spreads with terrifying speed.Be the fi ... Show More
34m 8s
Aug 7
Howard Hughes Blows Up Hollywood | Censored | 2
Howard Hughes embraces sex and violence in his quest to conquer Hollywood. But his sensationalist approach clashes with industry regulators and censors, sparking a high-stakes battle over artistic freedom, public morality, and the future of American cinema.Be the first to know ab ... Show More
34m 56s
Oct 2024
Jamestown | A Hell of Darkness | 2
In January 1608, fire blazed through the English settlement in Jamestown, Virginia. Nearly every building was reduced to ash. The destruction meant that the colonists would have to brave the winter with nothing but the clothes on their backs. More than ever before, their survival ... Show More
40m 34s
Jan 2025
The Unraveling of Boeing | Blow Out | 4
With losses from the 737 Max scandal spiraling into the billions, Boeing’s new CEO Dave Calhoun is looking to bring the crisis to a swift end. But he’s about to face major headwinds. Headwinds that threaten to destroy the entire company.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest ... Show More
35m 3s