When we had a big wildfire situation west and SW of us a couple of years back, the locals were of the opinion that they could have dealt with it MUCH faster than the official reaction response.
The authorities ordered them not to "for their own safety"! despite the fact that they had more experience than the pros. Consequently, things got out of hand very quickly and it was allowed to burn as most of it was sparsely inhabited if at all.
It devastated the wildlife and set the stage for erosion later. The soil was so burned, it won't support growth.
If you were ordered out and elected to stay, you got no support whatsoever. If you left for food or fuel, you were disallowed back in.
Locals who knew the back roads rescued all kinds of animals and livestock, housing them at local fairgrounds and makeshift animal shelters.
People can and will take care of themselves if allowed to by 'Big Brother'. Not everyone subscribes to the Nanny State mentality.
People donated hay and pet food and even walked the dogs who were cooped up.