Stops along the way: a conceptual model explaining evacuee intermediate trips during three Australian bushfires

Background Bushfire evacuation simulations used in planning and response require insight into how people move during fire emergencies, yet empirical evidence remains limited. Aims This study examines factors influencing bushfire evacuees’ travel decisions to conceptually model residents’ intermediate trips during evacuation. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 52 residents from three Australian communities affected by bushfires (2023–2024). Interviews (May–August 2024) were transcribed and coded in NVivo by four researchers using a shared codebook. Thematic analysis revealed factors influencing intermediate stops, informing a conceptual framework. Key findings Participants with strong local ties made ‘local stops’ in fire-affected areas at: public sites for errands, information, assistance, or child pick up; neighbours’ or relatives’ homes for pets, wellbeing checks, or evacuation coordination; and their own homes for children, pets, or possessions. Those with connections outside the fire zone often stopped in nearby towns to drop off pets or loved ones, exchange items, or meet family. Longer-distance evacuees commonly made roadside stops for children’s or pets’ needs. Conclusions A conceptual model of trip-taking behaviour was developed, showing that bushfire evacuees across three Australian locations made a range of intermediate stops at various locations based on social and contextual conditions. Implications The findings from this study can inform more realistic evacuation simulations, enabling emergency planners to design strategies that reflect evacuees’ lived experiences and improve predictions of people’s likely locations during fire events.