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.
For Melanie Glover, who lived through the Marshall Fire, the ordeal was terrifying. Just a day prior to New Year’s Eve in 2021, she found herself trapped in traffic while her family desperately attempted to flee their blazing house. Listening helplessly to their plight over the phone, Glover could do nothing but hope for their safety. Once the immediate threat subsided, the aftermath was still daunting. As time turned from weeks to months, she faced the emotional and practical struggles of piecing her life back together.
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
In January 2025, the Palisades and Eaton Fires caused significant devastation throughout Los Angeles, demolishing houses and uprooting numerous families. Aware of the immense difficulties these victims encountered, Julie DiBiase, a Boulder local connected to both Colorado and California, created a Facebook group named “From the Mountains to the Beach.” This platform aimed to connect Marshall Fire survivors with those impacted by the wildfires in California.
Con más de 1,400 integrantes, el grupo de DiBiase se ha convertido en un salvavidas para las víctimas de incendios forestales. Va más allá de ser solo un lugar para obtener consejos prácticos—es un entorno donde los sobrevivientes pueden relacionarse con personas que realmente comprenden su situación. “Hay algo especialmente reconfortante al hablar con alguien que ha pasado por lo mismo,” comentó DiBiase. “No se trata solo de compartir recursos; se trata de compartir empatía.”
With more than 1,400 members, DiBiase’s group has become a lifeline for wildfire victims. It’s not just a resource for practical advice—it’s a space where survivors can connect with people who truly understand what they’re going through. “There’s something uniquely comforting about talking to someone who’s been in your shoes,” DiBiase explained. “It’s not just about sharing resources; it’s about sharing empathy.”
A través del grupo, Ballou se comunicó con sobrevivientes del Incendio de Marshall que habían enfrentado problemas similares. Sus consejos resultaron invaluables, proporcionándole una guía para tratar con compañías de seguros, empresas de remediación y propietarios. “Gracias a sus experiencias, estamos mucho más informados sobre qué medidas adoptar,” afirmó Ballou.
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.
For individuals like DiBiase and Glover, assisting others has brought them a sense of purpose following their own traumatic experiences. DiBiase found motivation from another Facebook group founded by Marshall Fire survivor Meryl Suissa. Originally intended as a platform for direct exchanges between donors and survivors, Suissa’s group grew into a comprehensive resource for disaster recovery. Now, Suissa has modified the concept to aid California wildfire victims, offering guidance and gathering resources drawn from insights gained during the Marshall Fire.
Suissa highlighted the importance of community backing in the recovery from disasters. “A significant portion of the recovery effort is driven by individuals—your neighbors, nearby businesses, and local groups,” she mentioned. “It’s the personal, small-scale interactions that have the most profound impact.”
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.”
Reconstrucción con fortaleza
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.”
A community that remembers
A community that doesn’t forget
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.
“It’s the community that doesn’t forget,” Glover said. “They’re the ones who stick with you for the long haul, offering support and understanding when you need it most.”
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.
