Frustrated evacuees from Los Angeles County are eager to return to their homes to assess the damage, gather essential items, determine their insured losses, and evaluate what can be salvaged from their remaining property. However, they will have to wait at least another week for it to be safe to do so, as stated by LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone on Thursday.
“There is a great deal of frustration,” noted Crystal Kolden, a wildfire researcher and professor at the University of California, Merced. “But that frustration is really a result of efforts to ensure their safety.” Evacuees of wildfires often experience “evacuation fatigue” when they are unable to go back home due to the risk of flare-ups, toxic smoke, and hidden dangers such as debris flows, fallen trees, downed power lines, and gas leaks. Moreover, the energy, water, and sewer systems in affected neighborhoods need to be restored.
“Returning to the home, even if it’s no longer there, marks the initial stage of the grieving process,” Kolden explained.
Altadena resident Eric Martin, who lost his first home to significant smoke damage from the wildfires, expressed uncertainty about his future in Los Angeles. Martin described the difficulty of finding housing in the expensive LA market and the emotional attachment to the house where his young children made their first memories. Following the Eaton Fire, Martin and his family sought refuge in a hotel in Long Beach, struggling to piece together temporary accommodations while awaiting resolution.
The process of evacuees returning to their homes varies greatly depending on the severity of the damage and safety concerns left in the aftermath of each wildfire, Kolden highlighted. The recent wildfires in California have claimed lives and destroyed numerous properties, with significant cleanup efforts required in the affected areas.
These devastating events have permanently altered the lives of residents like Ryan Bojanovic from Altadena, who anxiously awaited updates on the fire’s impact on his neighborhood. The arduous journey of recovery and rebuilding lies ahead for those affected by these natural disasters.
The fire in his neighborhood spread rapidly, eventually reaching his own house. “We prayed it wouldn’t happen, but it felt inevitable,” Bojanovic shared with CNN. Upon learning that his home was destroyed, he felt like he had been plunged into an ice bath. Alone in a hotel, he spent the night, unable to return home due to safety concerns and looting.
Bojanovic expressed frustration at the inability to find closure by returning to his home. Despite attempting three times, he was turned away by the police. The devastating reality of losing everything to the fire weighs heavily on survivors like Bojanovic, who described it as a life-changing experience.
Support from organizations like After the Fire USA provides assistance to wildfire survivors in rebuilding their lives, offering resources such as FEMA aid and financial counseling. Emotional well-being is just as important as financial stability during the recovery process, emphasizing the need for a supportive community to navigate the trauma together.
Rebuilding after a wildfire is a lengthy process, with homes often taking two to three years to be restored, if at all. Survivors must adapt to temporary living arrangements while coping with the loss of their community’s essential facilities. The journey of recovery is deeply personal for each homeowner, requiring time to mourn and sift through the remnants of their past lives.
The road to rebuilding is uncertain for many, with timelines and plans still to be determined. Families face challenges in finding suitable housing amid a challenging and costly market. The desire to salvage precious mementos and memories drives survivors like Rojas to seek a way back to their homes, hoping to rebuild their lives, one step at a time.
Juan and his family are in the midst of their travels. However, it may be a considerable amount of time – approximately five to six months according to Rojas’ estimates – before their house is deemed habitable once more.
“It’s going to be a lengthy process, requiring a great deal of patience. We’ll undoubtedly face challenges and setbacks along the way, as the emotional toll can be quite overwhelming,” Rojas expressed.
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