I maintained a list of emotions that swirled inside me on the first day of the Palace and Eton fires: fear, uncertainty, compassion, hope, sadness, anger, unity, fate, confusion, helplessness, Anxiety, distrust, anxiety, gratitude.
Well, exactly a month after the start of the fire on January 7th, there is one feeling that I have not yet left me: sadness. But I’m not growing this just to make it dark. That’s because I imagine many Angelenos feel the same way. That’s completely normal.
The instincts of Fires’ early battles and flight survivalists have been quiet, but even if I don’t check regularly, I’m sure I’m still installing watch duties on my phone. Supporting each other in every way, Angeleno’s overwhelming, moving displays became more concentrated and less urgent over time. The international delegation of firefighters has left, and the Air Force and Water Scoopers are no longer patrolling the sky. The rain washed away some of the soot and ash that had been covered on the surface for several weeks. So now, after a short pickup of a stable stream of benefits (assuming you can afford them), what remains? All that is lost makes you feel uneasy: life, livelihood, community as a whole. (As a Pasadena resident, it oddly feels like an apocalyptic foil for the arrival of ecs, and a muted comedown of Rose Parade a week ago.)
It’s so much and enough to upset you well after the fire is completely stifled. Research shows that people who have been personally affected by wildfires are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, even indirectly. Smoke exposure can promote emergency room visits due to anxiety, and post-traumatic stress can last longer after the initial wave of smoke symptoms subsides.
Whether you have insurance or not, know that resources can help you. The LA County Mental Health Department operates a 24/7 helpline (telephone 800-854-7771), and state-run Calhope offers a similar counselling system for such catastrophes. 4673 or chat online), as well as the federal government disaster distress hotline (phone or text 800-985-5990).
Photo: Michael Giuliano is a timeout for a ranch home at Will Rogers State Historical Park that burned out during a Palisades fire.
These resources are not limited to those who have lost their homes. The collective trauma of the Pallisard and Eton fires can affect all people in LA. The face of the community today. Federal threats of conditional aid for wildfires. And lasting bad take from armchair firefighters, conspiracy theorists, and General La. (Even on the best day, the light empt, which has the face of an out-of-towner to La, is a true one, compared to Cosedian Eliza Skinner, if my vague memory of the stand-up set from ten years ago is correct. Feel like a little brave and rude to someone who sits in your living room and tells you everything they don’t like about it.)
So let’s fix it: most Angeleno’s life is normal. But there are some scientific indications that things are actually getting better. Particulate air pollution has returned primarily to normal, with preliminary results indicating that the rise in air lead and chlorine levels fell to typical ranges within days of the onset of the fire. Basic wet cleaning has been found to be very efficient at removing heavy metals from indoor dust, with low levels of lead present from lead found in play areas outside burn areas.
That may not be enough motivation for you to go out there and have fun. However, your favorite local restaurants are sure to use Rip Bar Chelou and La Grande Orange at this time. But know that you’re not the only one experiencing it now. So come with me to this “I’m LA” performance at the Grammys and cry with me. We love it!
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