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.
Fostering connections among survivors
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.”
Una de las integrantes del grupo, Anna Ballou, lo descubrió por casualidad mientras buscaba en línea orientación para enfrentar las secuelas de un incendio forestal. Aunque la casa alquilada de Ballou escapó de las llamas, quedó cubierta de hollín, cenizas y productos químicos utilizados en la extinción del fuego. Estaba preocupada por los posibles riesgos para la salud de su familia y la incertidumbre de habitar una vivienda que no les pertenecía.
Thanks to the group, Ballou was able to connect with survivors of the Marshall Fire who had encountered similar challenges. Their guidance was crucial, providing her with a clear plan for interacting with insurance providers, cleanup companies, and property owners. “Their experiences have made us much more knowledgeable about what actions to pursue,” Ballou shared.
Transformar el dolor en propósito
Turning pain into purpose
For survivors like DiBiase and Glover, helping others has provided a sense of purpose in the wake of their own trauma. DiBiase drew inspiration from another Facebook group created by Marshall Fire survivor Meryl Suissa. Initially designed as a direct donor-to-survivor exchange platform, Suissa’s group evolved into a broader resource for disaster recovery. Now, Suissa has adapted the concept to support California wildfire victims, providing advice and compiling resources based on lessons learned from the Marshall Fire.
Sus esfuerzos van más allá de la ayuda inmediata. Suissa está promoviendo la creación de un centro centralizado donde los sobrevivientes de desastres puedan acceder a información y apoyo confiables. Imagina un sistema que incluya desde actualizaciones sobre la remoción de escombros hasta la coordinación de donaciones, garantizando que los sobrevivientes no tengan que enfrentar el proceso de recuperación por sí solos.
Restoring with strength
For Glover, reconstructing her home in Louisville, Colorado, turned into an opportunity to transform her anguish into a constructive endeavor. She decided to utilize fire-resistant and sustainable materials, like Colorado Earth’s EcoBlox, composed of earth and clay. Her aim was to build a residence that was eco-conscious and more resilient against potential future disasters.
“When people hear ‘Earth home,’ they often envision something unusual or quirky,” Glover remarked. “However, I sought to demonstrate that it’s possible to create a stunning, practical dwelling that’s also sustainable and resistant to fires.”
“When people hear ‘Earth home,’ they think of something unconventional or eccentric,” Glover said. “But I wanted to prove that you can build a beautiful, functional home that’s also sustainable and fire-resistant.”
Glover is now working to adapt Earth home designs to meet California-specific building regulations, hoping to inspire others to consider similar approaches. By sharing her story, she aims to raise awareness about alternative building methods that could mitigate the impact of wildfires.
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.
One of the recurring themes among survivors is the feeling of being forgotten. Natural disasters often dominate headlines in the immediate aftermath, but public attention quickly shifts to the next crisis. For survivors, however, the journey to recovery is long and arduous.
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.
Mientras Glover sigue compartiendo sus experiencias y promoviendo prácticas de reconstrucción sostenibles, reflexiona sobre una enseñanza que escuchó en una ocasión: “Encuentra tu dolor, y encontrarás tu propósito.” Para ella, ese propósito se ha vuelto evidente—ayudar a otros a enfrentar los desafíos de la recuperación e inspirar esperanza para el futuro.
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.
