WILDFIRES - Not Just Whistling Dixie

Looking West at Lassen and Burn Area

 

WILDFIRES - Not Just Whistling Dixie

By Don Amador

August 10, 2023

 

As residents and property owners in the historic town of Lahaina struggle to try and cope with the catastrophic wildfire-caused loss of life, homes, and businesses owners (including  a life-long friend of mine) , I am reminded about similar wind-driven firestorms that have impacted California and other western states over the last 15-20 years.

NASA - Dixie Fire Burn Footprint 

 

While the aforementioned losses are devastating and hard to process, the impacts from mega wildfires to public land access and recreation opportunity cannot be understated for the millions of people who visit federal areas for OHV and other forms of recreation with family and friends.

 

Having spent most of my personal life and professional career recreating and working on federal OHV recreation areas impacted by intense wildfires, I think it is important for those touched by these events to understand the devastating long-term effects these fires can have on them.

View of Lassen with Dixie Fire Burn Area in Foreground

West Prospect LO - Elevation 8,172 ft.

 The American Psychological Association (APA) states that trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape or natural disaster. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea.

Dixie Fire Impacts - Lassen NF

 

APA goes on to say that accidents or wildfires are typically unexpected, sudden and overwhelming. For many people, there are no outwardly visible signs of physical injury, but there can be nonetheless an emotional toll. It is common for people who have experienced disaster to have strong emotional reactions.

 

Health professionals at the Mayo Clinic state that Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

 

The Mayo Clinic also states that most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have PTSD.

 

Over the last year, I have had the privilege to talk with residents, recreationists, and land managers who lived through the 2021 Dixie Fire in northern California that burned through 963,309 acres of rural communities, private timber property, and lands managed by the Forest Service and other government agencies. 

 

LINK TO NASA VIDEO OF DIXIE FIRE BURN PATH/TIMELINE

https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/4993/

 

 

Listening to their stories of courage in overcoming the loss of a home or business and their resolve to rebuild and persevere was stirring and inspires me to continue supporting pre and post fire forest health and fuel mitigation projects and to help private sector non-profit post fire recovery efforts of fire damaged recreation facilities. 

 

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