The Psychological Consequences of the California Fires

Mental health impacts of the California fires: What to expect and how to cope.

Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

Key points

• The California fires of January 2025 represent a natural cataclysm.
• Cataclysms and disasters exert both physical destruction and psychological suffering.
• Communities will not recover until people can recover both physically and psychologically.

As this is being written, cataclysmic fires are attacking areas in and around Los Angeles. These fires are the very definition of a cataclysm (often called a catastrophe) in that collectively they are a large-scale adverse event that cannot be contained or curtailed and which exceeds all emergency response capabilities. A disaster, on the other hand, is a large-scale event that, while often tragic, can be effectively contained and curtailed over time.

By definition, the primary response to a cataclysm, such as these fires collectively represent, must be the preservation of life followed by the preservation of property and infrastructure. When all is done, this cataclysm will surely be the most costly and significant urban fire in American history. What is often forgotten, however, is the psychological cost of events such as these. I believe it is safe to say, and my own experience in over 20 countries would attest, that no community recovers from cataclysms and disasters until its people recover (Everly & Parker, 2005; Everly & Athey, 2022). Recovery is both physical and psychological.

Knowledge Is Power

Understanding the psychological consequences of adversity is the first step in recovery and healing. This is true for personal loss and tragedy as well as large-scale disasters and cataclysms (Everly & Parker, 2005). This assertion is echoed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and similar organizations. To that end, listed below are the psychological phases of disaster originally formulated by Diane Myers and others (Myers & Wee, 2005). The understanding of what to expect and when, psychologically speaking, can be the first step in regaining control of one’s life.

Psychological Phases of Disaster

The predictable phases according to Myers are as follows: 1) pre-impact, 2) impact, 3) heroic, fueled by the adrenalin rush people generally act to save property and lives, 4) honeymoon, wherein there is a general sense of relief and gratitude, perhaps even a congratulatory atmosphere, and 5) disillusionment, a predictable psychological let-down characterized by grief, regret, anger, second-guessing, and exhaustion. The field of disaster mental health was largely created to mitigate this phase and accelerate phases 6) recovery and 7) reconstruction.

The pre-impact/warning phase of a disaster is the period of time that precedes the impact of any given approaching disaster. Psychologically, it is often characterized by anticipatory arousal, anxiety, uncertainty, fear, and even denial. When warnings are not provided or not heeded, frustration, anger, casting of blame will be intensified. Effective coping in this phase and the next rest upon having a structured plan in place to meet both physical and psychological needs.

The impact phase of a disaster occurs when the agent—fire, storm, flood, attack, infection—makes contact. Behaviorally, acts related to self-preservation and ensuring the safety of family and friends appear as the priorities. Psychologically, we may see initial denial, confusion, fear, and occasionally what seems like panic.

The heroic phase begins during or immediately after the impact phase. This is when extraordinary resources are deployed for “rescue” and the large-scale preservation of life. Behaviorally, we see “heroic” actions, increased cooperation, and selfless actions emerge. There is often an increase in risk-taking combined with a denial of fatigue and even potentially dangerous denial of vulnerability in some. Psychological coping is enhanced by trying as best one can to stay task-focused on survival and protection. Having a pre-event plan helps this as structure is the antidote for chaos.

After the zenith of death and or destruction has passed, response plans are firmly in place, and people have a clear sense of their new responsibilities, the “honeymoon” phase begins with the belief that things are under control and that “the worst is over.” Behaviorally, cooperation continues and cohesion is fostered. Psychologically, relief, gratitude, sympathy, and even euphoria may be in evidence as survivors are allowed to finally “exhale,” psychologically speaking. A concerted effort to return to life as it was known begins. But honeymoons seldom last. And so, there is a predictable psychological letdown as the honeymoon wanes. Realistic, pragmatic optimism facilitates the phase.

The psychological “letdown” is part of the disillusionment phase, but may be fueled by regret, grief, and anger. Here we will likely encounter the largest number of psychological casualties. Manifestations of burnout and vicarious trauma may arise in health-care professionals. In civilian populations, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and depression have historically emerged. Others who have been previously challenged by mental illness or substance use, or who are otherwise marginalized, may react more severely than many others, or may experience relapses. As the disillusionment phase evolves and people struggle to recover and prepare to rebuild, the reality of loss may hit the hardest. Resources may not be as plentiful as they were at the peak of the crisis.

Grief, depression, frustration, anger, the desire to blame others, and even despair may arise. Some may consider ending careers, dissolving marriages, and even taking their own lives. Behaviorally, self-medication may increase. There is likely greater risk for maladaptive coping, aggressive acts, and domestic violence, as well. It should be noted that some, due to burnout or vicarious trauma, will go from the heroic phase directly to disillusionment. Evidence suggests three factors help mitigate the negative impact of this phase (Everly & Parker, 2005; Everly & Athey, 2022): 1) an optimistic vision projected personally and by leadership at the community level; 2) interpersonal cohesion and collaboration; and 3) early recognition of and intervention with signs of distress and despair with access to professional mental health support.

The primary goal of disaster mental-health initiatives as they have been applied historically is to lessen the depth and duration of the disillusionment phase and to foster transition to the next phase, which is psychological recovery and building a vision of what life will look like post disaster. Physically, most will heal. Psychologically most will recover and resume their lives, or construct new lives. But we are wise to anticipate a temporally programmed setback. On the anniversary of the disaster, many will pause and remember, and only then move on. Some will re-experience the angst of the past year, but they too will move on. Moving on does not mean forgetting. It simply means getting back to living life.

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© George S. Everly, Jr., Ph.D., 2025.