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
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.
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.
Transformar el dolor en propósito
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.”
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.
“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
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.
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.
Mientras Glover sigue compartiendo sus experiencias y promoviendo prácticas de reconstrucción sostenibles, reflexiona sobre una enseñanza que escuchó en una ocasión: “Encuentra tu dolor, y encontrarás tu propósito.” Para ella, ese propósito se ha vuelto evidente—ayudar a otros a enfrentar los desafíos de la recuperación e inspirar esperanza para el futuro.
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.
