[gpm]

> They should have had someone on watch in shifts in the overnight

I don't think I agree with this.

It improves your very low chance of survival if the fire catches up with you during the night, slightly. But you're mostly screwed anyways. Forest fires tend to move faster than humans, especially in the dark. It means you are less effective in the morning and will likely increase the amount of time it takes to get out of there.

I'd elect for "we all sleep, we wake up slightly before first light to pack up and eat, we leave at first light.".