Aftermath

In October, of 2017, the California's North Bay was ravaged by multiple fires. The largest of which, the Atlas Fire, burned over 51,000 acres and damaged over 800 buildings. We visited the affected region to witness the destruction for ourselves. What we found were tattered lives, and a community coming together.

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Part 1: Up in flames

Jeff Foley, a resident of Soda Canyon, built a wonderful life with his family in Napa County. That was until the Atlas fire took it all away from them.

Building permits in Santa Rosa County

Construction in the area remained consistent leading up to the fire. In October 2017, the month of the fires, there was a notable dip. But ever since, the number of people attempting to rebuild has massively increased the number of permits applied for. However, the city has consistently fallen behind on issuing those permits. 

Source: City of Santa Rosa, via data.srcity.org

Part 2: Cost of recovery

While no one is ready to lose their home to a fire, the community was less prepared for the staggering costs of rebuilding their lives.

Areas affected by the Atlas fire

Over 50,000 acres of land 783 structures were destroyed during the Atlas Fire in October 2017.

Source: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/

Part 3: Neighbors sweep the ashes

With government aid nowhere in sight, the community, and the local contractors, came together to give their own form of aid.

Wildfires in California since 2007

Thousands of wildfires spread throughout California every year, leaving damage across acres of land, and families without homes.

Source: National Interagency Fire Center