Wildfires can emerge suddenly and develop unpredictably, which makes them a serious threat to all communities in at-risk areas. Containing an uncontrolled blaze can take several days or weeks depending on environmental factors, so emergency management personnel typically focus their initial efforts on evacuating people and preventing further expansion. Once the threat has been contained, local communities and authorities can shift their attention to the lengthy process of recovering in the aftermath of a wildfire.
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Limited Access to Water and Food
Residents returning to their community following a wildfire may struggle to find adequate food and water during the first few weeks of recovery. Drinkable water is a big concern, as damage to infrastructure or domestic plumbing can contaminate the supply. Homeowners in affected areas should contact their local emergency management authority if they are unsure about the integrity of their plumbing or sewage system. Access to food can also be an issue, particularly in communities that only have a few stores nearby. Residents may have to commute to neighboring towns or seek help through an emergency assistance program.
Structural Damage to Homes and Businesses
Wildfires can cause severe damage to homes even if the structure still seems intact. Homeowners should conduct a full inspection of their home before moving back in following a blaze. They should check the roof, attic, and exterior for signs of lingering fire or compromising structural damage and turn off all their appliances as soon as possible, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Owners of impacted commercial properties also need to conduct full inspections to ensure safety before they can open for business again.
Heightened Flood Risk
While flooding isn’t an obvious concern in the aftermath of a wildfire, it can actually cause more damage to a home than the blaze itself. Fires that destroy a significant percentage of trees, grass, and other plants in the community expose the area to erosion and flooding from rainfall. Without vegetation to absorb water and hold soil in place, runoff can lead to flash-flooding in areas that are still recovering from the immediate effects of the disaster.
Stress and Mental Health Concerns
Even if emergency management personnel are able to issue timely evacuation orders, there is a much higher risk of injury during and following a blaze. Dealing with physical injuries is an immediate priority for relief personnel, but psychological injuries can take much longer to address. Being impacted by wildfires can have severe implications on individual mental health, especially when a person’s home, job or family members are in jeopardy. Many wildfire survivors experience some level of trauma during the event, so counseling and other forms of psychological treatment are also an important part of the recovery process.
Containing and recovering from an uncontrolled blaze requires a coordinated effort from a diverse, professional emergency response and management team. It’s impossible to predict exactly what each community can expect in the aftermath of a wildfire, but residents of impacted areas should listen and consult with these personnel carefully to ensure their safety throughout the process.