As California faces increasingly frequent and devastating wildfires, a new study reveals that survivors’ most pressing needs go far beyond temporary shelter—highlighting the urgent need for mental health care, clean air, reliable information, and long-term support.
Key Points at a Glance
- UC Davis surveyed over 2,200 households affected by Northern California wildfires to understand survivor needs.
- Most reported urgent needs for physical essentials like housing, water, and financial assistance.
- Mental health care was the most persistent health-related need, often growing over time.
- Survivors expressed confusion about accessing aid, pointing to a need for clearer disaster communication.
- Concerns about long-term health effects from urban wildfire pollution remain unanswered.
Three months after wildfires scorched through Southern California in early 2025, survivors are still grappling with the aftermath—and researchers are listening. A new study from the University of California, Davis School of Medicine, published in Environmental Research: Health, delves deep into the needs of wildfire victims based on previous disaster data. It offers one of the clearest pictures yet of what communities truly need—not just during a crisis, but long after the flames are extinguished.
The research, part of the “WHAT-Now-CA?” wildfire study, surveyed over 2,200 households impacted by wildfires in 2017, including the historically destructive Tubbs Fire. While each fire season is unique, the insights gathered reflect universal patterns of need and resilience in post-wildfire recovery.
According to the study, the most immediate and widespread needs reported were physical: food, water, clothing, shelter, electricity, cell service, and internet. But these needs didn’t disappear with time. For many, housing and financial instability remained long after the smoke had cleared. In fact, one in two households reported persistent physical needs, with housing and money topping the list.
Surprisingly, mental health emerged as a dominant and persistent concern. Of the 177 households that reported health-related needs, the majority cited psychological distress. “Unaddressed mental health concerns can have a significant impact on a person’s health and wellbeing,” said Kathryn Conlon, associate professor at UC Davis and the study’s lead author. She stressed the importance of incorporating mental health support—such as psychological first aid—into all phases of wildfire disaster response.
Clean air was another critical and immediate need. More than 25% of respondents requested masks, air filters, or better indoor air quality. Yet, while smoke is a visible hazard, the longer-term health implications of urban wildfires remain murky. “When these fires burn, they’re not just consuming trees—they’re burning homes, electronics, furniture,” explained Conlon. “We still don’t fully understand the health consequences of inhaling those complex pollutants.”
Another recurring theme was a deep sense of confusion and frustration regarding available aid. Many respondents didn’t understand which agencies were responsible for what services, nor the difference between emergency response and recovery programs. This lack of clarity hindered their ability to access the support they needed most.
Despite these struggles, the study highlighted a powerful social phenomenon: resilience. Co-author Mira Miles described strong community bonds among survivors, with many expressing a desire to help others recover. “This sense of cohesion is inspiring, but it shouldn’t replace structured support systems,” she added.
With climate change intensifying the scale and frequency of wildfires, the study underscores the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness strategies that include more than firefighting. From health and housing to mental support and communication infrastructure, recovery is complex—and must be sustained.
As the embers cool in fire-prone states like California, this research offers a roadmap for rebuilding with humanity and science at the core. Because healing after a wildfire doesn’t start with bricks or insurance—it starts with listening.
