A year after historic fires scorched Los Angeles, survivors share lessons from the burn zone

The article on National Geographic's website 

Gideon Mendel at work 

“We sat together in the ashes. We told stories about the items we missed. We searched through what remained, side by side. There was no rush. No distance. Just presence. In a moment when so much felt erased, you bore witness—with care, with humanity, with respect. Thank you for honoring our grief, our memories, and our community. We won’t forget it.”
— Nicole Ellis

Mike Bishop and Ninah Echeverria, Palisades Fire
 

Sofia Armendariz-Vidal and Miguel Angel Vidal Jr., Altadena

Charmaine Griffin, Altadena

Marcos Durian — Altadena