In the heart of Los Angeles, an apocalyptic event struck seemingly out of nowhere.
High winds, commonly referred to as the Santa Anas, are not unfamiliar to Angelenos. Nor are wildfires, brush fires or other types of blazes that catch the winds and wreak havoc in areas around this sprawling city, 10 million strong and beyond.
But this week came something never seen or experienced. The various sets of fires around the city and outlying areas came with a relentless merciless brutality, taking the breath away of all those in and around this legendary city, whether they were directly impacted or indirectly.
Parts of Los Angeles and surrounding counties were and are still ablaze! It’s a devastating sight. Many have lost their beloved homes. Many more have friends or family members who have lost homes, pets, even their lives. Firefighters have been pushed to their limits as water supplies in certain areas ran out and reservoirs were empty due to repairs.
The finger-pointing is well under way, of course, as tempers and emotions run high. The impact of loss both literally and psychologically takes its toll. Fire hydrants running out of water, why? Reservoirs empty, why? So many questions and no time for answers right now. All that matters for the moment is boots on the ground — saving lives, saving homes, saving animals.
What is particularly excruciating is the uncertainly, wondering where the next destructive fire will ignite. It’s as if no one is safe. Everyone here is in harm’s way.
Such terror causes the nervous system to have strong reactions such as fight or flight, or freeze or dissociate. These responses are completely normal. They make sense. Keeping a focus on what is real and what is really happening right now remains vital. Listening to news radio, reading updates online, and checking with friends and family members are all essential to keeping a sense not only of perspective but also having a clear picture of when movement may be needed.
No one wants to leave his or her home, let alone be told to evacuate.
Some homeowners defy these orders, hoping they can ward off monstrous flames with hoses and self-made devices. While this may work out for a few, relocating to immediate safety remains the best option. One life means more than a thousand homes — for houses can be rebuilt and life will go on. Losing a life is forever.
But of course losing a home, a pet or simply being displaced is severely traumatic. The emotional toll from losses of these kinds will be lasting. Disorientation, confusion, foggy thinking, malaise and bouts of depression — all are to be expected when one is broadsided by such devastation.
Whatever your share of the misery, do not isolate. Reach out to friends, talk about your feelings, commiserate in your anger and helplessness. Use your agency to help. Togetherness in times of trauma counts for so much.
“This too shall pass” remains an eternal sentiment of hope. But how the passing occurs, how we come together, how we warm one another with support, here lies the heart of the matter. Here we truly find our humanity, our strength, courage and extraordinary capacities.
We thank the firefighters of California and those who arrived from other states to rally together to fight these tremendously powerful blazes. We are so grateful for all they do for our communities. We pray for their strength and safety in the coming days.