Besides sending donations to organizations that are providing relief services to victims of the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires there is not much that I can do to provide immediate in-person assistance to those suffering tragic losses.

Most of my personal life and professional career have been spent recreating and working on public lands in Northern California impacted by the 450,000 acre 2018 Mendocino Complex Fire and the 1 million acre-plus 2020 August Complex Fire and 2021 Dixie Fire.

I hope the following grief-related information that I have gathered since then might help affected parties in some small way cope with, and process, the devastating long-term effects these fires have on displaced families, first responders, business owners, relief workers, and many others.

The American Psychological Association, or 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.

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. As we are seeing, 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, or 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.

I have found the posting of stories and pictures of my experiences in the affected areas to be therapeutic. Talking with friends, colleagues, and partners are other important ways that survivors cope with PTSD.

As the LA Firestorm continues, it is important for us to exercise patience until firefighters and other 1st responders complete their assignments and understand they may be in some stage of a post wildfire traumatic stress disorder, or PWTSD.

Also, it is important for family members and friends that are outside of the burn area to understand that they too might be suffering from PWTSD.

Don Amador has been in the trail advocacy and recreation management profession for over 33 years. Amador is president of Quiet Warrior Racing LLC, co-founder and past president/CEO of the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance and co-founder and past core-team lead on FireScape Mendocino. He writes from his home in Cottonwood, California. Amador may be reached via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..