LA Wildfires - January 2025

In the heart of Los Angeles, a city that has been my home for my entire life, we are facing wildfires that have brought unprecedented devastation to our community. As a professional deeply rooted in Critical Incident Response, I've spent over 35 years helping individuals and communities navigate the emotional aftermath of such disasters. This section of the website is dedicated to providing you with essential information and resources to understand and manage the psychological impact of the LA wildfires and other critical incidents.

Disasters Defined

A disaster is a sudden, catastrophic event that severely disrupts the functioning of a community or society, causing widespread human, material, or environmental losses that exceed the community’s ability to cope using its own resources. Disasters can be natural, like earthquakes and wildfires, or human-made, such as industrial accidents or acts of terrorism. Regardless of the type, the common thread is the upheaval and distress they cause to the affected populations.

Disasters challenge the very fabric of affected communities, testing the resilience and the human spirit. However, understanding the nature of disasters can empower us to prepare better and respond more effectively, ensuring that resilience is built and recovery is swift.

Common Reactions

man with trees in the background thinking and looks distressed

You have been exposed to a traumatic event known as a critical incident. Here are some common signs and signals that others have reported when they have been exposed to such an incident. These are typical reactions to a traumatic event that can be experienced immediately, during, and/or following the event. These signs and symptoms usually appear in combination and may also be related to other stressors. This list is certainly not inclusive of all types of stress reactions, but it is generally representative of the signs and symptoms typically associated with traumatic events. 

This list of common reactions is simply offered here as a starting point for you to become more familiar with some of your reactions to this incident.  It should also be emphasized that no two people are likely to experience the exact same combination of reactions to any given stressor(s). Again, these are typical reactions. It is important to understand that you are not going crazy. You are simply a normal person experiencing normal but understandably upsetting reactions to an abnormal event.

Here are some common signs and signals of stress reactions that others have reported:

Physical

chills

thirst

fatigue

nausea

fainting

diarrhea

vomiting

dizziness

weakness

chest pain

headaches

rapid heart rate

muscle tremors

shock symptoms

grinding teeth

visual difficulties

profuse sweating

difficulty breathing

elevated blood pressure

Cognitive

confusion

nightmares

uncertainty

hyper-vigilance

suspiciousness

persistent intrusive images

blaming someone

poor problem solving

poor abstract thinking

poor attention/decisions

poor concentration/memory

disorientation of time, place, people

difficulty identifying objects or people

heightened or lowered alertness

increased or decreased awareness of surroundings

Emotional

fear

guilt

grief

panic

denial

crying

sadness

irritability

sadness and depression

intense anger

apprehension

emotional shock

extreme agitation

feeling overwhelmed

loss of emotional control

inappropriate emotional responses

extreme helplessness

Behavioral

withdrawal

antisocial acts

inability to rest

intensified pacing

erratic movements

changes in social activity

change in speech patterns

loss or increase of appetite

problems falling/staying asleep

increased alcohol consumption

change in usual communications

change in typical habits

Note:  If you find that these symptoms persist so as to interfere with your ability to function at work, school, and/or home, you are strongly encouraged to contact a qualified healthcare professional for assistance.

Adapted from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation

Vulnerable Populations

a closeup of an elderly hand with wedding rings with an IV and tape

  • Children

  • The elderly

  • The newly homeless

  • New members of the community

  • Those who have lived here for all or most of their lives

  • Families that have experienced a recent upset, such as a separation or divorce

  • Single parent or parents with fewer support resources

  • People who have experienced a recent disaster or a close call

  • Anyone whose nervous system has recently been stressed for any reason

  • Someone who was/is grieving the recent loss of a loved one

  • Cannot speak the local language

  • Those who are alone

  • Medically impaired e.g. disabled, wheelchair-bound, chronic illness

  • Those who are mentally impaired

  • People who are totally dependent upon the care of others