Trauma From Wildfires Still Haunts Survivors A Year Later
No comprehensive survey of fire-related injuries or hospitalizations from the Redwood Valley wildfire in Mendocino County has been compiled. But beyond the physical toll, grief has weighed heavily on the shoulders of the community in the months since.
Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
Burned In North Bay Wildfires, Survivors Continue Painful Healing
The Shepherds, now living in Ukiah, face many of the same challenges shared by an unknown number of people who were burned or otherwise hurt when flames torched parts of the region last fall. It’s unclear how many residents experienced similar injuries or smoke inhalation, a serious injury suffered by many who endured the flames. No comprehensive survey of fire-related injuries or hospitalizations has been compiled. And evacuations and closures of two major north Santa Rosa hospitals — Sutter Santa Rosa Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente — during the historic Tubbs fire complicate efforts to track those patients. (Callahan, 10/9)
KQED:
Santa Rosa's Recovery Is Far From Over, But Victims Lend A Hand To New Fire Survivors
It’s been a year since the deadly North Bay Fires, but head to any burned down neighborhood in Santa Rosa, and you might not think so. Most people haven’t even started rebuilding their homes yet. Even as those survivors are in the thick of their own insurance claims, they’re helping survivors of this summer’s wildfires navigate their recovery. (Hutson, 10/10)
In other news from across the state —
The Desert Sun:
Free Allergy Testing Offered By Eisenhower Health In Rancho Mirage
Allergy sufferers wanting to avoid costly tests to determine what is causing their itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, congestion and runny nose can find some relief at Eisenhower’s annual free allergy testing clinic. On Saturday, Oct. 13 anyone 4 years and older can find out just what is at the root of their allergies. Since allergies are a chronic condition, some people begin to think it is normal to have symptoms, and simply live with the problem. (Barkas, 10/8)