Three years have passed since the Marshall Fire ravaged a tranquil suburban area to the northwest of Denver, Colorado, causing widespread devastation. The fierce, wind-driven flames obliterated entire communities, rendering homes to cinders, uprooting families, and changing lives permanently. Now, those who endured this disaster are sharing their hard-won knowledge to assist those dealing with the consequences of wildfires in Los Angeles.
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.
Glover’s recovery was not solely due to her own resilience; the encouragement she received from others who had weathered comparable tragedies played a crucial role. Individuals who had gone through the Waldo Canyon Fire, which devastated Colorado Springs a decade before, offered their stories and guidance, fostering a feeling of unity and optimism. Presently, Glover, along with many other Marshall Fire survivors, is giving back by supporting those affected by the 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.”
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.
Transforming adversity into action
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
Para Glover, la reconstrucción de su hogar en Louisville, Colorado, se convirtió en una forma de transformar su dolor en algo constructivo. Optó por emplear materiales resistentes al fuego y sostenibles, como los EcoBlox de Colorado Earth, fabricados a partir de tierra y arcilla. Su objetivo era crear una vivienda que fuera ecológica y estuviera mejor preparada para enfrentar futuros desastres.
“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.”
Glover is currently focused on modifying Earth home designs to comply with California-specific building codes, with the hope of encouraging others to explore similar strategies. Through sharing her experiences, she seeks to increase awareness about alternative construction methods that might lessen the effects of wildfires.
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.
“It’s the community that remembers,” Glover stated. “They are the ones who remain by your side for the duration, providing support and empathy when it’s most needed.”
“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.”
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.
