California wildfires are a recurring disaster that devastates communities, destroys homes, and upends lives. The scale of the 2025 wildfire season alone has been staggering. CAL FIRE reported 359 wildfires that scorched 57,660 acres and destroyed over 16,000 structures. These events led to at least 29 confirmed fatalities, with countless others displaced. Beyond the visible destruction, the hidden psychological and emotional toll has been immense. Survivors often grapple with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), compounded by the loss of homes, belongings, and any sense of stability.
For individuals already struggling with addiction and mental health disorders, the stress of these wildfires amplifies their struggles, creating additional barriers to recovery. At Westwind Recovery®, we understand the profound impact these traumatic events have on individuals, families, and our community. Located in Los Angeles, California, we’ve witnessed firsthand how these disasters affect mental well-being. Some of our staff members lost their homes, while clients left treatment programs to reunite with their families amidst the chaos. These shared experiences underscore how deeply wildfires rip through the fabric of lives—not just physically, but emotionally as well.
What is Fire Trauma?
Fire trauma refers to the psychological, emotional, and sometimes physical impact experienced by individuals who have been directly or indirectly affected by a fire. This can include survivors of wildfires, house fires, or other fire-related disasters, as well as first responders and witnesses. The trauma stems from the intense fear, loss, and disruption caused by such events.
California Wildfires Bring Uncertainty and Fire Trauma
The California wildfires have triggered a significant rise in distress calls and texts, reflecting the widespread emotional strain on residents. The Disaster Distress Helpline saw a fivefold increase in calls from the Los Angeles area shortly after the fires began, with fear, grief, and uncertainty being the dominant emotions expressed. This mirrors reports from the Crisis Text Line, which noted more texts from Los Angeles County compared to the same period last year.
How California Wildfires Affect Mental Health?
Wildfires create an environment of unpredictability and fear. People are grappling with anxiety over potential evacuations, isolation, and the grief of losing homes or having their lives disrupted without clear plans for recovery. Exposure to distressing news reports can lead to heightened anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many individuals experience ongoing symptoms of fire trauma, including intrusive thoughts, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness. These reactions can be particularly challenging for those already in addiction recovery or receiving mental health treatment.
At Westwind Recovery®, we recognize that the uncertainty caused by natural disasters can lead to an increase in substance use and relapse. Many individuals turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the overwhelming stress and emotions brought on by these traumatic events. Without proper support and intervention, the cycle of addiction and mental health struggles can worsen, making it crucial for those affected to seek professional help.
The Emotional Toll of the Wildfires
The emotional aftermath of a wildfire can be long-lasting. Individuals who have lost their homes or experienced displacement often struggle with grief, loss, and feelings of hopelessness. Survivors may experience guilt, wondering why they were spared while others suffered greater losses. This emotional burden can be incredibly overwhelming, especially for those with preexisting mental health conditions.
What are the Common Emotional Responses to Fire Trauma?
- Fear: Anxiety about safety, potential evacuations, and the unpredictability of the fires.
- Grief: Mourning the loss of homes, belongings, or even community stability.
- Uncertainty: Stress from not knowing what will happen next or how to rebuild disrupted lives.
- Isolation: Feeling disconnected or alone during and after the disaster.
- Trauma/Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Experiencing flashbacks or heightened distress triggered by memories of past fires and evacuations.
For those in addiction recovery, these emotional challenges can trigger cravings and relapse. Stress is one of the most common relapse triggers, and the devastation caused by wildfires adds an additional layer of difficulty for those trying to maintain sobriety. That is why seeking immediate mental health and addiction treatment support is essential.
What are the Long-Term Effects of Fire Trauma?
The long-term effects of fire trauma can be profound and multifaceted, impacting mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Common long-term effects include:
Flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety triggered by memories of the fire.
Persistent feelings of fear, sadness, or hopelessness, often linked to the loss of stability or security.
Emotional distress from surviving when others may not have, or from losing less than others.
Difficulty concentrating, memory issues, or decision-making challenges due to prolonged stress.
Stress-related conditions like heart problems, weakened immune systems, or respiratory issues from smoke exposure.
Withdrawal from social interactions due to grief, shame, or a sense of disconnection.
Ongoing stress from rebuilding homes, replacing belongings, or managing financial losses.
Tension in relationships due to stress, grief, or differing coping mechanisms.
These effects can persist for years, especially without proper mental health support and community resources.
The Importance of Seeking Help
After experiencing fire trauma, it is important to acknowledge the impact it has on mental health. Suppressing emotions or attempting to manage the trauma alone can lead to more severe psychological consequences down the road. Seeking professional support can help individuals process their experiences, develop coping mechanisms, and build resilience in the face of disaster.
Therapeutic approaches such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) have proven effective in treating fire trauma. At Westwind Recovery®, we offer a holistic and client-centered approach to healing, providing various levels of care to accommodate each individual’s needs. Our goal is to help clients navigate the mental toll of trauma while developing strategies to maintain emotional stability and sobriety.
The Importance of Support Groups
Support groups can play a crucial role in helping individuals cope with fire trauma by providing a safe and understanding environment to share experiences and emotions. Here’s how they can help:
- Emotional Validation: Being surrounded by others who have experienced similar trauma can help individuals feel understood and less isolated in their struggles.
- Shared Coping Strategies: Members can exchange practical advice and coping mechanisms for dealing with anxiety, grief, and other emotional challenges.
- Sense of Community: Support groups foster a sense of belonging, which can counteract feelings of loneliness and isolation often associated with trauma.
- Encouragement and Hope: Hearing stories of resilience and recovery from others can inspire hope and motivate individuals to continue their healing journey.
- Safe Space for Expression: Groups provide a non-judgmental setting where participants can openly discuss their fears, losses, and frustrations.
- Professional Guidance: Many support groups are facilitated by trained counselors or therapists who can offer expert advice and resources.
- Building Resilience: Regular participation can help individuals develop emotional strength and a sense of control over their recovery process.
Support groups are particularly effective because they combine peer support with professional insights, creating a holistic approach to healing from fire trauma.
When Is It Time to Enlist Professional Help?
If you or a loved one are experiencing the following symptoms after a wildfire, it may be time to seek professional help:
If feelings of fear, anxiety, or sadness last for weeks or months without improvement.
Struggling to perform everyday tasks, maintain relationships, or focus at work or school.
Experiencing intense anger, guilt, or hopelessness that feels overwhelming or unmanageable.
Chronic headaches, fatigue, or other stress-related health issues that don’t resolve with time.
Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind you of the fire, to the point where it limits your life.
Recurrent, intrusive memories or dreams about the fire that disrupt sleep or cause distress.
Turning to alcohol, drugs, or other harmful behaviors to cope with emotions.
Isolating yourself from friends, family, or support systems
Experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide is a critical sign to seek immediate help.
Feeling stuck or unable to move forward despite trying self-help strategies or support groups.
Recognizing the need for help is a critical step in the recovery process. Professional mental health treatment can provide the necessary tools and support to manage fire trauma and prevent long-term emotional distress.
Westwind Recovery® Can Help You Heal
At Westwind Recovery®, we are committed to being a beacon of hope for those affected by the California wildfires. As a JCAHO-accredited treatment center and a Dr. Phil Preferred Partner facility, we provide comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment services designed to help individuals heal from fire trauma. Our clinical director, Deena Manion, and our dedicated team of mental health professionals are here to guide you on your journey to recovery.
Our treatment programs include:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) – A structured program offering intensive therapy and support.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – Providing flexibility while maintaining access to critical therapeutic interventions.
- Outpatient and Aftercare Services – Long-term support for sustained recovery.
- Virtual Therapy Options – Accessible mental health care from the comfort of your home.
Contact Westwind Recovery® Today!
We understand the profound challenges that California wildfires can bring, not only to the physical landscape but to the emotional and mental well-being of those affected. Whether you’re grappling with newfound anxiety from the trauma of evacuation or struggling with addiction exacerbated by stress, it’s important to know you don’t have to face it alone.
Our Los Angeles-based team is here to provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs. We’ve seen firsthand the resilience of those who seek help, and we are committed to walking alongside you on your path to healing. Recovery is not just about overcoming addiction or trauma—it’s about rebuilding, finding hope, and restoring a sense of calm and purpose in your life.
If you or someone you love is struggling in the aftermath of the wildfires, now is the time to reach out. Contact Westwind Recovery® today to learn how we can help you find stability and strength during these trying times. Together, we can help you emerge from the shadow of the flames and into a brighter, healthier future.
Reach out to us now and take the first step toward healing from fire trauma.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
