Growing up in the Inland Empire, I’m used to unbearably hot summers. My family mastered a routine around it: keep the shutters closed during the day, open the windows at night, have the ceiling fan spinning counterclockwise, and stay hydrated. I always felt prepared for summer. I could endure the heat. 

 

This past July, I was not prepared for what happened. 

 

This summer’s extreme heat gave rise to the 2,800+ acre Vista Fire, a 13-day wildfire in the San Bernardino National Forest, just 15 miles from where I live. Because I was in a safe zone away from the direction of the fire, we didn’t perceive an immediate danger. However, my family and I were indeed in harm’s way.

 

Due to the wildfire smoke, we were exposed to unhealthy concentrations of particulate matter and ozone in the air we breathed. During the 13 days of the fire and even for the following week after the fire was contained, we experienced fevers, chills, coughs, and a constant tightness in our throats and chests. Although the sky was blue and clear most days in my neighborhood, the air was actually heavy with invisible pollutants. Now that we have recovered, I want to share what I learned from that experience.

 

As climate change worsens, we will see more extreme risks, impacts, and damages where they were previously unknown; adaptation, resilience, and mitigation are more critical than ever. 

 

Adaptation involves changing practices to lessen potential damages associated with climate change. Since that experience, I regularly check apps that track my local air quality index (AQI). AQI is a scale that categorizes air quality in a given area, indicating pollution levels and health risks. Understanding the AQI can help you make informed decisions about your routine. 

 

For example, if your local AQI is poor, try to stay inside, avoid strenuous activity, close your windows, and wear a mask if you need to go outside. Another change I have made is investing in an air purifier and an air monitor. Suppose you live in an area with nearby sources of air pollution (a freeway, a warehouse, etc.). In that case, an air purifier and an air monitor are good investments, especially if your home has vulnerable individuals such as children, older adults, or those with respiratory conditions.

 

Finally, adaptation includes being prepared for emergencies and having a plan. This can mean having an emergency go-bag, a stay box, learning valuable skills, and having an evacuation plan. Listos California is a great resource that provides specific and accessible information for disaster preparedness. Adaptation can look different for everyone, depending on where you are and your needs; in any case, it’s always better to keep yourself informed and prepared. 

 

In the aftermath of the Vista Fire, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of mitigation and resilience. Resilience is the capacity to prepare for climate disruptions, recover from shocks, and adapt to a disruptive experience. Mitigation refers to actions to reduce, eliminate, or avoid the negative effects of climate change.

 

The last lesson I’d like to share is the value of Indigenous stewardship and knowledge for adaptation and resilience. In forest management, Indigenous communities have long understood the needs of the land, utilizing practices such as prescribed burning to maintain healthy ecosystems. These practices not only support biodiversity but also reduce the intensity of wildfires by managing fuel loads and promoting fire-resilient landscapes. 

Integrating Indigenous knowledge with Western science will develop effective strategies to prevent catastrophes. The lessons from Indigenous stewardship teach us that by working with nature rather than against it, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future.

 

Written by Anastasia Yulo
Outreach and Communications Fellow