A little more than a month ago, the deadliest wildfire in the United States since 1918 blazed across northern California. Resulting in over eighteen thousand structures destroyed, and a population almost the same size as Black Rock City displaced. Smoke from the fires traveled to the Bay Area, creating some of the most polluted air in the world. It was a moment for many in the area that had them start thinking about the ‘The New Normal’.

We want to give a huge shoutout to the Mayan Warrior theme camp for donating their refrigerator truck to the North Oroville foodbank in collaboration with Grassroots Alliance. As well as thank the Burning Man Fire Arts Safety Team for donating essential gear to World Central Kitchen who was feeding frist responders while the fires were still blazing.

On December 1st & 2nd a community swarm came together in the Bay Area to have a conversation about what might be possible in terms of response. Several groups co-facilitated the event including OurLabs, Field Innovation Team, Camp Fire Restoration Project, KultureHaus, and Burners Without Borders. Between the two days around 100 people attended both in person and digitally discussing several subject areas: Land/Housing, Artistic Repurposing, Mental Health, and Resource Mapping. As follow-up an assessment team headed up to Chico the weekend of December 14th, based out of burner-run makerspace Idea Fab Labs. A report will be coming out later this week (12/19) and posted on BWB media channels for those who want to follow up.

This group is dedicated to the long-term assistance that will be needed in Paradise, remembering that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. A moment will come where your service and your energy can be life changing for people who have lost everything- but if you don’t have a specialized post-disaster skill set, it might not yet be your time to shine. To join the conversation join our Civic Swarm Slack. If you’re not famililar with Slack- please also read our ‘Intro to Slack‘ document.

[Cover photo:  Allen Meyers “Faces of Paradise“]

SF Community Swarm 12/1 @ Impact Hub SF
 
Tyler Hanson & Evo Henying at Community Swarm 12/1 @ ImpactHub SF  
Event at Idea Fab Labs 12/15

> How to create a Project.