Anniversary: 1 Year after the LA Fires

Hundreds of thousands of Southern Californians are marking the one-year anniversary of the Palisades and Eaton fires this week. I have been very open about my personal experience of loss and recovery during this time. I found myself not ready to offer a strong word of pastoral care this week, so I invited Victoria Villa, MSW, our synod Disaster Relief Coordinator, to offer this reflection. I praise God for the work and care this synod, and indeed, the entire Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, have offered us in this first year of recovery.

Bishop Brenda Bos

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January 7th marks one year since the devastating Los Angeles Wildfires began. The fires burned for 24 days, consuming 37,000 acres, destroying 16,000 structures, and tragically claiming at least 31 lives. The loss went far beyond damaged property. Whole communities were forever changed, not only by the trauma of such destruction but also by the displacement of so many neighbors and friends. While none of our church buildings were destroyed, many of our congregants lost their homes. Our Lutheran response has been especially poignant and powerful.

Recovery after a disaster like this takes many years, and the painful reality is that many may never fully regain what was lost. But even in the midst of such immense loss, hope has found a way to grow.

Beginning immediately after the fire began, we witnessed incredible generosity and compassion. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world donated to relief efforts, while thousands more volunteered their time to prepare meals, provide shelter, and help clear debris. Local businesses transformed into nonprofits and service organizations, committed to caring for their communities. Thousands of disaster case managers across Los Angeles now walk alongside those impacted, connecting them with grants, housing support, food pantries, and other vital resources, advocating for them and accompanying them on the long road to recovery.

We have witnessed the miracle of God’s people coming together, living out His commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). The journey toward healing is long and often difficult, but every day brings new opportunities to witness God’s love in action.

Today is a time to mourn what was lost, to honor the memories of those affected, and to hold space for the pain that remains. It is also a moment to reflect on the possibility of healing and the hope for better days ahead. Healing from trauma is a journey that requires patience, compassion, and care— not only from others but also within ourselves. Taking time to care for your own well-being is essential, especially in the face of such profound loss. Perhaps you have felt a surprising reaction to this anniversary, especially if you were not personally affected. Honor that. We have been through a collective trauma, and it is important to be loving with ourselves and each other now and always. If you know people who were personally affected by the fires, reach out gently, let them know you are praying for them. Every little gesture is a comfort.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 (NIV) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. God is the God of all time, every season, and is with us now.