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What Was Lost
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21 entries
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Fire survivors described loss as both immediate and ongoing. Their stories reflected the total destruction of homes, personal belongings, natural surroundings, community spaces, and familiar routines that had once provided stability and a sense of normalcy. They also documented the lasting effects of the disaster through personal accounts of the fire and evacuation, memories of life before and after the fire, and emotional responses marked by disbelief, sadness, and uncertainty about the future. Click images to see their full captions.
What was Lost
What Helped Me Carry On
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19 entries
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Fire survivors described carrying on through the support of family, friends, and the wider community, as well as through connection with nature and spiritual faith. Recovery was also supported by active involvement in both community rebuilding and personal healing. In these stories, looking toward the future offered a sense of hope, purpose, and possibility. Click images to see full captions.
What Helped
What Was Found
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7 entries
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Fire survivors found support through community resources and systems of care that helped them navigate recovery. Their stories also reflected resilience through hope, gratitude, spirituality, and faith, along with an emerging appreciation for new surroundings. Many described finding meaning in what remained, what was recovered, and the relationships that formed after the fire. Click images to see their full captions.
What was Found
Other
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Three entries were categorized as "Other" by their authors, for reasons we can't fully know — though some could be perceived as leaning toward one of the three main categories. However, we see that the ambiguity and uncertainty in how these entries were categorized mirror the undefined recovery process, where the line between loss and recovery isn't always clean or clear. As the post fire journey is ongoing and evolving, these entries show a sense of renewal with sorrow. Click images to see their full captions.
Other
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