Three years prior, the tranquil suburban area northwest of Denver, Colorado, experienced a destructive event known as the Marshall Fire. This wind-fueled inferno obliterated entire neighborhoods, forcing residents to flee and reshaping their lives permanently. Currently, those who lived through this disaster are offering their invaluable insights to support individuals in Los Angeles dealing with the repercussions of similar wildfire incidents.
Three years ago, the Marshall Fire devastated a quiet suburban community northwest of Denver, Colorado, leaving destruction in its wake. Entire neighborhoods were reduced to ashes as the wind-driven blaze tore through homes, displacing families and forever altering lives. Today, survivors of that tragedy are using their hard-earned lessons to help others grappling with the aftermath of wildfires in Los Angeles.
What eventually aided Glover in her recovery was not solely her own resilience, but also the support she received from individuals who had survived similar calamities. Those who lived through the Waldo Canyon Fire, which devastated Colorado Springs ten years prior, offered their stories and guidance, fostering a sense of unity and optimism. Currently, Glover, along with hundreds of other Marshall Fire survivors, is extending this support by aiding victims of recent wildfires in California.
What ultimately helped Glover recover wasn’t just her own resilience but the support she found from others who had endured similar disasters. Survivors of the Waldo Canyon Fire, which ravaged Colorado Springs a decade earlier, shared their experiences and advice, sparking a sense of solidarity and hope. Now, Glover and hundreds of other Marshall Fire survivors are paying it forward by assisting victims of recent wildfires in California.
En enero de 2025, los incendios de Palisades y Eaton causaron estragos en Los Ángeles, arrasando hogares y obligando a numerosas familias a desplazarse. Julie DiBiase, residente de Boulder con conexiones en Colorado y California, comprendiendo las enormes dificultades que enfrentaban las víctimas, creó un grupo en Facebook denominado «De las Montañas a la Playa». Este grupo pretendía ser un enlace entre los sobrevivientes del Incendio de Marshall y aquellos afectados por los incendios de California.
With over 1,400 participants, DiBiase’s group has turned into a crucial support system for wildfire victims. It offers more than just practical advice—it provides a community where survivors can relate to others who genuinely comprehend their struggles. “There’s a special kind of reassurance in speaking with someone who has faced similar challenges,” DiBiase noted. “It goes beyond exchanging resources; it’s about fostering empathy.”
Anna Ballou, a participant of the group, discovered it by chance while seeking online advice on dealing with the aftermath of a wildfire. Although the flames didn’t reach Ballou’s rental property, it was left covered in soot, ash, and firefighting chemicals. She was concerned about the possible health hazards for her family and the insecurity of residing in a house that wasn’t theirs.
One of the group’s members, Anna Ballou, stumbled across it while searching online for guidance on navigating the aftermath of a wildfire. Although Ballou’s rental home was spared from the flames, it was coated in soot, ash, and chemicals from the firefighting efforts. She worried about the potential health risks for her family and the uncertainty of living in a home they didn’t own.
Through the group, Ballou connected with Marshall Fire survivors who had faced similar issues. Their advice proved invaluable, offering her a roadmap for dealing with insurance companies, remediation firms, and landlords. “Because of their experiences, we’re much more informed about what steps to take,” Ballou said.
Turning pain into purpose
Suissa destacó que el apoyo comunitario es fundamental en la recuperación tras un desastre. “La mayor parte del proceso de recuperación proviene de las personas—tus vecinos, negocios locales y organizaciones de base,” comentó. “Son las pequeñas conexiones humanas las que marcan la mayor diferencia.”
Suissa emphasized that community support plays a crucial role in disaster recovery. “Most of the recovery process comes from people—your neighbors, local businesses, and grassroots organizations,” she said. “It’s the small, human connections that make the biggest difference.”
Her efforts extend beyond immediate assistance. Suissa is advocating for a centralized hub where disaster survivors can find reliable information and support. She envisions a system that includes everything from debris removal updates to donation coordination, ensuring that survivors don’t have to navigate the recovery process alone.
Rebuilding with resilience
«Cuando la gente escucha ‘casa de tierra’, piensa en algo poco convencional o excéntrico,» comentó Glover. «Pero quería demostrar que se puede construir un hogar hermoso y funcional que también sea sostenible y resistente al fuego.»
Glover se encuentra actualmente adaptando los diseños de casas de tierra para cumplir con las normativas de construcción específicas de California, con la esperanza de motivar a otros a considerar enfoques similares. Al compartir su experiencia, busca concienciar sobre métodos de construcción alternativos que puedan reducir el impacto de los incendios forestales.
A community that remembers
Uno de los temas recurrentes entre los sobrevivientes es la sensación de ser olvidados. Los desastres naturales suelen acaparar los titulares justo después de ocurrir, pero la atención pública pronto se dirige a la siguiente crisis. Sin embargo, para los sobrevivientes, el camino hacia la recuperación es extenso y agotador.
«Es la comunidad la que no olvida,» señaló Glover. «Son ellos quienes están contigo a largo plazo, brindando apoyo y comprensión cuando más lo necesitas.»
This communal spirit has been central to the survivor-to-survivor support networks forming after recent wildfires. Stretching from Colorado to California, these networks demonstrate that, despite facing tremendous loss, individuals can unite to reconstruct communities that are stronger and more resilient.
As Glover keeps sharing her stories and promoting eco-friendly rebuilding methods, she contemplates a piece of wisdom she once came across: “Find your pain, and you find your purpose.” For her, this purpose has crystallized—supporting others as they face the hurdles of recovery and instilling hope for what lies ahead.
As Glover continues to share her experiences and advocate for sustainable rebuilding practices, she reflects on a piece of wisdom she once heard: “Find your pain, and you find your purpose.” For her, that purpose has become clear—helping others navigate the challenges of recovery and inspiring hope for the future.
In the aftermath of devastation, these survivors are showing that healing is not just about rebuilding homes; it’s about rebuilding lives, one connection at a time. Through their efforts, they are turning tragedy into an opportunity to create a more supportive and resilient future for wildfire-affected communities.