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Paradise California is a town located in Butte County. It gained notoriety after suffering great devastation during a wildfire. This article explores details of Paradise including, that of a film about its tragic event.
Paradise California located in Butte County came under severe damage in 2018 when a wildfire ravaged the community. This town became the inspiration behind a documentary and a major story of devastation due to the large loss of homes, businesses and also the impact on their environment.
A 2018 fire known as "Camp Fire" went through Paradise causing nearly total destruction. It is one of California’s deadliest fires burning through 95% of the area. As a result this incident displaced a great many individuals and affected countless families in the location.
The destruction in 2018 became the basis of a documentary "Rebuilding Paradise" which showcased footage of the area, and the local residents struggles to recover after the traumatic event. It featured the challenges for the residents as they struggled to put their life back together. This had created a spotlight to other similar regions as they prepare for events similar to that of Paradise.
Tracy Droz Tragos filmed in Paradise and chronicled what was taking place to the residents which would be put into a documentary about their struggles in getting help to rebuild. Her experience allowed her to have more information and a new look into devastation of all types which had created empathy that has become paramount for a director of any topic especially this one.
Although the town was mostly destroyed, the residents had to continue. Rebuilding began as thousands were coming back into the city. Even years later many communities face the issues with fire hazards, leaving little options in that location for a life worth rebuilding to what it once was.
Over 18000 businesses and homes were lost along with the tragic death of over 85 people. These loses were extremely heavy on those who were effected by not just property destruction but also the loss of loved ones.
Another fire would hit California years after the Camp Fire when the Pacific Palisades fire took out the homes of various community members. Some residents found themselves quickly evacuated. One of these individuals also happened to have worked on a previous documentary of Paradise California , which shows a correlation that devastation can strike anyone at anytime no matter if you have lived that or not.
The director of “Rebuilding Paradise” Tracy Droz Tragos and her family had to face the same traumatic devastation that they had filmed as their house was wiped out. Even the things they did manage to take with them did not lessen the sting of all they had lost with the total obliteration of their home. They are among many in the Los Angeles region who have experienced losses like this.
Residents that previously thought their community would be safe in previous situations where wildfires threatened soon learned that they were vulnerable to all situations like other parts of the world as it swept through that specific part of the community. After they had gotten themselves to a safe location a local neighbor helped them confirm that their home was lost as well as other families near theirs, along with them.
A major aspect is the devastation to homes leaving so many with housing struggles. All familiar places that held unique meanings within that area including businesses stores and local community gathering places were also taken as well. Rebuilding and moving forward is seen as one of the key elements needed in those environments however the task is one that has a deep wound as they must work around what was and also move to what could be.
Jamie Lee Curtis is looking at creating a film that is based off of Lizzie Johnsons book, "Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire". She plans to tell the heroic story of the Camp Fire that destroyed so much of the city and will focus on school workers who went to great lengths to protect the children as all others sought to escape the impending doom.
The intention behind this film is to not only tell a story of what happened but to also showcase both devastation and human strength. It offers a very intense look at human emotion and will showcase a range of perspectives from that traumatic day that is very much still in their hearts and on their minds.
During difficult times many organizations assist as first responders providing a place to find financial help. The Red Cross is always a first responder that is seen in almost any situation to help individuals and family along with connecting resources through the United Way with 211 numbers as a source for support and direction.
The entertainment industry has also provided resources for members that are now facing difficulty with the recent fires. A number of notable resources mentioned offer temporary housing financial resources and even mental health help as those that work on TV and movie sets also had the possibility of their homes and business affected during all that has transpired.