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.
For Melanie Glover, a survivor of the Marshall Fire, the experience was harrowing. On the day before New Year’s Eve in 2021, she was stuck in traffic while her family frantically tried to escape their burning home. Helplessly listening to their struggles over the phone, Glover could only pray that they would make it out alive. When the immediate danger passed, the trauma lingered. Weeks turned into months as she grappled with the emotional and logistical challenges of rebuilding her life.
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.
In January 2025, the Palisades and Eaton Fires wreaked havoc across Los Angeles, destroying homes and displacing countless families. Recognizing the overwhelming challenges these victims faced, Julie DiBiase, a Boulder resident with ties to both Colorado and California, launched a Facebook group called “From the Mountains to the Beach.” This group was meant to serve as a bridge between survivors of the Marshall Fire and those affected by the California wildfires.
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.”
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.
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 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.”
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.
For Glover, rebuilding her home in Louisville, Colorado, became a way to channel her pain into something constructive. She chose to use fire-resistant and sustainable materials, such as Colorado Earth’s EcoBlox, which are made from earth and clay. Her goal was to create a home that was both environmentally friendly and better equipped to withstand future disasters.
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.
Una comunidad que recuerda siempre
A common sentiment among survivors is the experience of being overlooked. While natural disasters capture media attention right after they occur, the public’s focus soon moves on to the next catastrophe. For those affected, though, the path to recovery is lengthy and challenging.
“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.”
Este sentimiento de comunidad ha sido el núcleo de las redes de apoyo entre sobrevivientes que han surgido tras los recientes incendios forestales. Desde Colorado hasta California, estas redes están demostrando que, incluso ante pérdidas inimaginables, las personas pueden unirse para reconstruir comunidades más fuertes y resilientes.
This sense of community has been at the heart of the survivor-to-survivor support networks emerging in the wake of recent wildfires. From Colorado to California, these networks are proving that even in the face of unimaginable loss, people can come together to rebuild stronger, more resilient communities.
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.
