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.
For Melanie Glover, who endured the Marshall Fire, the ordeal was terrifying. On December 30, 2021, she found herself caught in traffic as her loved ones desperately sought to flee their blazing residence. Unable to assist, Glover anxiously listened to their distressing situation over the phone, hoping fervently for their safety. Once the initial threat subsided, the emotional scars remained. As time stretched from weeks to months, she faced the daunting task of emotionally and practically reconstructing her life.
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.
Building bridges between survivors
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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 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.
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.
