Insights from Hilda Berganza and the Hispanic Access Foundation
Wildfires are no longer seasonal emergencies—they are a growing, year‑round threat across the United States, especially in California. Families, neighborhoods, and entire communities are being impacted with increasing frequency and intensity. For Hispanic and Latino communities, wildfire risk often intersects with additional challenges such as language barriers, limited access to real‑time information, and economic vulnerability.
This article explores how Hispanic communities are strengthening wildfire preparedness through culturally relevant education, trusted community leadership, and faith‑based engagement—drawing on insights from Hilda Berganza, Climate Program Manager at the Hispanic Access Foundation. It offers practical strategies, real‑world examples, and actionable steps to help families, organizations, and community leaders build resilience before, during, and after wildfire events.
The Growing Wildfire Threat in California and Beyond
Over the past decade, wildfires have increased in both frequency and severity, driven by climate conditions, drought, and expanding development near fire‑prone landscapes. California remains one of the most impacted states, with recent fires devastating communities and displacing thousands of families.
For Hispanic and Latino populations, wildfire disasters often carry layered consequences:
- Delayed access to emergency information
- Language and communication gaps
- Barriers to evacuation resources
- Limited recovery support
Hilda Berganza emphasizes that wildfire impacts go far beyond physical destruction. Fires disrupt family stability, local economies, housing security, and mental health, making proactive education and culturally aligned outreach essential.
Key Insight: Wildfire preparedness must address both physical safety and social resilience—especially in communities facing systemic access challenges.
Building Trust Through Faith and Community Networks
One of the most effective wildfire preparedness strategies is working through trusted community voices. Through its interfaith initiative, Por La Creación, the Hispanic Access Foundation partners with faith leaders across Southern California to deliver wildfire education and emergency information.
Faith leaders serve as:
- Trusted messengers
- Community connectors
- Emotional and spiritual anchors
- Organizers of mutual aid and support
During recent wildfire events, faith institutions played a critical role in:
- Sharing evacuation alerts
- Distributing air‑quality guidance
- Coordinating community support
- Providing safe spaces for families
Example: After the Palisades fire, faith leaders actively checked in on congregations, shared safety resources, and helped coordinate assistance for displaced families—strengthening both safety and community cohesion.
Key Insight: Faith‑based networks dramatically increase trust, reach, and effectiveness in wildfire communication and response.
Communication That Meets Communities Where They Are
Effective wildfire response depends on fast, clear, and accessible communication. The Hispanic Access Foundation uses a multi‑channel approach, including:
- Digital platforms (YouTube Shorts, websites, social media)
- Partnerships with the Red Cross
- Emergency alert tools like Watch Duty and Red Cross apps
- Grassroots communication through local businesses
Information is shared in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility across generations and households.
Community‑based outreach includes trusted neighborhood spaces such as:
- Churches
- Community centers
Offline communication—phone calls, texts, printed materials, and in‑person outreach—remains essential for residents without reliable internet or smartphone access.
Key Insight: Multi‑channel, bilingual communication systems save lives by ensuring information reaches everyone—not just those online.
Practical Preparedness: Home Safety, Health, and Air Quality
Wildfire resilience starts with simple, affordable actions that families can implement immediately:
Home Protection
- Clear brush and vegetation from structures
- Maintain defensible space
- Use fire‑resistant materials when possible
- Practice fire‑safe landscaping
Air Quality Protection
Wildfire smoke creates serious health risks, especially for:
- Children
- Seniors
- People with asthma or respiratory conditions
Protective actions include:
- Portable HEPA air filters
- DIY air purifiers (fan + HEPA filter)
- Sealing windows and doors during smoke events
- Monitoring air quality alerts
Emergency Preparedness
- Build disaster kits (water, masks, medications, documents)
- Create family evacuation plans
- Identify evacuation routes
- Register for emergency alerts
Example: Families can build low‑cost air purifiers using a box fan and HEPA filter—significantly improving indoor air quality during smoke events.
Key Insight: Small, practical actions dramatically improve safety and resilience during wildfire seasons.
Community Voices: Recovery, Equity, and Long‑Term Resilience
Community stories reveal the deep emotional and economic toll wildfires leave behind—destroyed homes, displaced families, lost income, and mental health strain.
Faith leaders and community advocates describe walking through devastated neighborhoods, witnessing both loss and resilience. These experiences drive advocacy efforts for:
- Equitable disaster recovery funding
- Mental health services
- Long‑term mitigation planning
- Infrastructure investment
- Community‑centered policy solutions
Core Challenge: Ensuring disaster recovery resources reach vulnerable populations equitably.
Key Insight: Long‑term resilience requires coordinated action between communities, nonprofits, policymakers, and local governments.
Resources and Next Steps
Take action today:
- Hispanic Access Foundation: hispanicaccess.org
Wildfire guides, climate education, air quality resources (English & Spanish) - Emergency Alerts:
Download Watch Duty and Red Cross emergency apps - Preparedness Tools:
Emergency kits, home hardening guides, air filtration tips
Every step—no matter how small—strengthens community safety.
Final Thoughts
Wildfires are an ongoing reality—but resilience is being built every day. Through culturally aligned education, faith‑based leadership, trusted networks, and practical preparedness, Hispanic communities are transforming vulnerability into strength.
The work of organizations like the Hispanic Access Foundation shows that community‑driven solutions save lives, protect homes, and preserve dignity.
Preparedness is not just planning—it’s empowerment.
FAQ
How can I prepare my home for wildfire risk?
Create defensible space, clear vegetation, use fire‑resistant materials, and prepare evacuation plans and emergency kits.
How do I protect my family from wildfire smoke?
Use HEPA air filters, seal indoor spaces, limit outdoor exposure, and monitor air quality alerts.
What if I don’t have reliable internet access?
Use local radio, community centers, churches, local businesses, and offline outreach networks.
Why are faith leaders important in wildfire response?
They are trusted voices who provide safety information, emotional support, and community coordination.
Where can I find Spanish‑language resources?
Visit hispanicaccess.org and their social media platforms.
Summary
Hispanic communities are strengthening wildfire resilience through faith‑based leadership, trusted communication networks, culturally relevant education, and practical preparedness strategies. By staying informed, engaging community voices, and taking proactive steps, families and neighborhoods can better protect themselves from wildfire threats—today and into the future.
