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
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.”
One of the group’s members, Anna Ballou, stumbled across it while searching online for guidance on navigating the aftermath of a wildfire. Although Ballou’s rental home was spared from the flames, it was coated in soot, ash, and chemicals from the firefighting efforts. She worried about the potential health risks for her family and the uncertainty of living in a home they didn’t own.
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.
Her work goes further than just offering immediate support. Suissa is pushing for the creation of a central hub where disaster survivors can access trustworthy information and assistance. She imagines a system encompassing everything from updates on debris clearance to organizing donations, so survivors don’t have to face the recovery journey by themselves.
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 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
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.
“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.”
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.
