A Social Story About the Los Angeles Wildfires
By Dr. Shu-Chen Jenny Yen, California State University, Fullerton
We have a companion post Lesson Plan: Helping Young Children Understand the LA Fires with links and downloadable resources.
You may also download the PDF of this blog created from a PowerPoint presentation.
Note to Parents:
During times of crisis, children need emotional support from their parents and educators to help them feel safe and secure.
This book is for parents, guardians, and educators to help children ages 3 – 8 understand the Los Angeles fires. It can be a scary time for children, and they may not understand why the fires occurred and what happened to their houses, schools, communities, friends, and loved ones.
One of the best ways caretakers can help young children cope with the situation is by sharing age-appropriate information, reassuring their safety, and redirecting their attention to the positive aspects of humanity.
Adults can also teach children how to properly identify their emotions and model appropriate coping strategies. It is also critical to empower them to be an agent of change by actively doing something to help those affected by the Los Angeles fires.
Please use these prompts as a conversation starter to talk with your child!
Mom, I heard there was a fire somewhere. I am scared. Are we safe? Will the fires burn our house?
My love, I am sad that fires have broken out in Los Angeles, California. The city of Los Angeles is home to Hollywood, where many movies were made.
On January 7, 2025, a big fire started in Los Angeles. The wind was super strong, and the grass was very dry. The fire grew bigger quickly. The fire spread to different cities quickly.
That was super fast! What started the fire?
We don’t know yet. It has been very dry in California. There were many months without rain. Also,there were very strong winds, like from your hairdryer. These winds blew the flames and embers to other places.
Are people all right?
Many people had to leave their houses, with little time to pack their belongings. With heavy traffic, many people had to abandon their cars and walk on foot.
I hope they reached a safe place!
More than 10,000 homes, schools, and restaurants were destroyed. Some people died. When people returned homes the next day, they found nothing but ashes where their beloved homes once stood. It is hard to see how the fire burned down such a beautiful home.
What happened to the children who lost their toys, homes, and loved ones? I am so so sad. Will someone help them?
I know, my love. My heart aches too. But you know what? Many people have come together to help fight the fires. They are lending a helping hand to their friends, and people. We are building a support system to help everyone.
The fire was burning hot, but the brave firefighters worked hard to fight the fires. They were tired, but they kept working.
They are my heros!
When the wind stopped, the helicopters also helped to stop the fires by dropping water.
Do people have places to go and food to eat?
Yes! Many strangers showed up to provide food, water, and other supplies. Many people opened up their homes so their friends could stay with them. People have been able to go to the emergency shelters to sleep and rest.
Many volunteers gave food and water to firefighters, fire respondents, and people in need. Many restaurant and food truck owners started cooking for people who are staying in shelters.
Kind strangers set up big tents to gather donations, and people in need came to the tents to take what they needed.
So many heroes!!! What about pets?
Many pets stayed with their owners. Others were rescued and placed in pet shelters. Some dogs got lost but the firefighters helped them reunite with their families!
It is amazing to see people being willing to help without being asked.
People are awesome! I want to be like them! How can I help?
Yes, my love. There are lots of ways for you to help out! You can donate your toys to the children of Los Angeles. We can raise and donate money to people of Los Angeles. We can also adopt a dog or cat from the shelter!
Yay! I’m ready!
Will people be alright? They have lost everything!
It will take lots of time, work, and effort to rebuild the houses, schools, and communities affected by the fire.
What if they miss their loved ones who died in the fire?
My love, it is okay to be sad and cry. But please remember that your loved oneis smiling at you from above the sky. When you miss them, look at the sky and find the brightest star!
Will the fire happen again?
My love, I don’t know if the fire will happen again. The earth is getting hotter, and we are responsible for that. We must be nice to the earth so that you and your kids can have a nice place to live.
Am I safe?
My love, I will try my BEST to protect you to make sure you have a safe place to sleep, tasty food to eat, and fun toys to play with! And guess what… as long as we are alive, there is always HOPE!
And always remember that I love you to the moon and back!
Messages to the victims of the fire — children
If you were affected by the fire:
- It is okay to feel sad and scared. If you need it, don’t be afraid to cry or talk to an adult.
- You can also draw pictures or write about your feelings.
- Take good care of yourself by reading books, playing with toys, or games when your parents are trying to figure things out.
- Give your parents big hugs and kisses when they are sad.
- Believe that people will try their best to help you.
- Be brave and be hopeful.
Messages to the victims of the fire — adults
- Please note that people in the US and in the world share your frustration and sadness. We know that no words can adequately capture the gravity of the situation, but we are thinking of you and hope to offer our support in any way we can.
- We are all in your support system to help you in the recovery process.
- It is okay to cry, even in front of your child. The road to recovery is long, but in sight. Please take good care of yourself so you have the strength to keep fighting!
- Trust that the universe is sending positive energy to help you rebuild your home and the beloved city.
- As long as we are alive, there is always hope! Please be strong and remain hopeful!
