Nephi recites history here, not just to finish the story, but to make certain that they brothers understand that a journey undertaken by command of the Lord also receives his blessings and protection, even in the face of the pursuing armies of Egypt. We don't have any specific instances recorded of the conflict between Lehi's band and any pursuers, or any thieves on the road, but the need to eat their food without fire is an indication that those fears were present, and the possibility of a direct parallel here is not far-fetched.