SerpApi.Org
As Colorado communities once again face devastating wildfire losses, survivors of the most costly fire in the state’s history are offering tips for managing the long road to recovery.
So far, the Aspen Acres, Elk, Gold Mountain and Willow fires have burned through a combined 230 square miles, an area equivalent to the city of Chicago.
Daryl McCool, a wildfire survivor and former team leader for the group Marshall Restoring Our Community, was one of 37,000 people evacuated during the Marshall Fire in 2021. McCool stressed it is important for people to check in at their local recovery center and if possible, bring someone trusted with them.
"You're suffering from trauma and all of this information coming at you is definitely hard. You might not be able to be clear of mind. Bring a friend that is able to maybe take notes for you," McCool suggested.
To find help near you, Coloradans can call 211 from anywhere in the state. For Pueblo County residents, a recovery assistance center has been set up at Beulah Heights Elementary School. The American Red Cross also has a center at the Pueblo Academy of Arts in Pueblo. Custer County’s disaster assistance center is at Lange Hall in Westcliffe.
A new report reinforced the connection between burning fossil fuels and more frequent and severe wildfires, and oil and gas lobbyists are pressing Congress for immunity from a series of lawsuits and state laws seeking damages.
Jenny Singer-Rupp, a wildfire survivor and board member of the group Marshall Together, recently met with Colorado's congressional delegation, urging them to do more to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
"This is a growing epidemic in our country and these extreme weather events cause massive trauma in our children, in our elderly, in everybody that survives this," Singer-Rupp pointed out.
McCool noted disaster recovery centers often have mental health resources available to help people process their experiences in a way that works for them.
"Often times caregivers, right afterwards, they offer free mental health support. Which is really great. Take advantage of that if you can. And again, the folks that are setting up resources to help you, they are there really to help you," McCool added.
