Ashes Amid the Ashes: Dedicated Teams Are Helping LA Fire Victims Recover Cremated Remains
In the aftermath of a devastating disaster like the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, even the discovery of a small memento amid the rubble is incredibly meaningful. As residents return to sift through what is left of their homes, stories of the recovery of wedding rings or a charred saucepan are both inspiring and heartbreaking. Many families lost everything but what they could quickly gather as they evacuated — and in many cases, this includes the cremated remains of loved ones.
Recently, a unique, poignant, and collaborative recovery effort has emerged: the targeted, purposeful search for those cremated remains lost to the wildfires.
Alta Heritage Foundation’s initiative
Leading the charge in cremains recovery is the Alta Heritage Foundation (AHF), founded by archaeologist Alex DeGeorgey after the 2017 Tubbs Fire. AHF specializes in disaster archaeology, focusing on retrieving human cremains from wildfire-destroyed homes. Since its inception, AHF has conducted over 340 site excavations, assisting more than 350 families in California and Oregon. The recent Palisades and Eaton fires have heightened the need for their expertise, with over 1,000 families potentially requiring assistance.
In a testament to community collaboration, students and faculty from California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) have joined AHF’s recovery missions. Dr. Amira Ainis and her anthropology students have been on-site, working alongside seasoned archaeologists to meticulously sift through debris in search of cremains. This partnership not only aids affected families but also provides invaluable field experience for the students.
Joining AHF and the Cal State LA volunteers is a team of four archaeologists from Southern Oregon University’s Laboratory of Anthropology in Ashland. These experts first worked with AHF in 2017.
The recovery process
Recovering cremains is a meticulous process that combines forensic archaeology with canine detection. After consulting with affected families to gather information about the possible locations of urns, archaeologists assess the fire-damaged sites. Specially trained dogs are then brought in to detect the scent of human ashes. Once potential sites are identified, excavation teams carefully recover the remains, ensuring they are returned to the families with the utmost respect. The numbered metal tags that are now included in cremated remains will be a valuable asset in confirming the identities of the deceased, as well.
The aftermath of wildfires presents numerous health hazards, particularly when sifting through ash and debris. Burned materials can release toxic substances, including lead, asbestos, and arsenic, posing risks such as respiratory issues and cardiovascular diseases. Experts advise individuals involved in recovery efforts to use protective gear to mitigate these dangers.
The Role of Funeral Directors
Funeral directors play a pivotal role in supporting families during such challenging times. Beyond your traditional duties, you can assist by:
- Providing information: Educating families about available recovery services, such as those offered by AHF, and guiding them through the process, as well as confirming the identity of cremated remains by referencing the numbers on metal crematory tags.
- Coordinating with recovery teams: Acting as liaisons between families and organizations like AHF to facilitate timely and respectful recovery of cremains.
- Offering emotional support: Recognizing the compounded grief of losing both a home and the physical representation of a loved one, and providing appropriate counseling or referrals.
Community resilience and moving forward
The collaborative efforts in recovering cremains highlight the resilience and unity of communities facing the aftermath of wildfires. For funeral directors, understanding and participating in these recovery processes not only extend your professional services but also reinforce your commitment to the communities you serve. By staying informed and involved, you can offer comprehensive support to families navigating the complexities of loss during such unprecedented times.
As wildfires continue to pose threats, the integration of specialized recovery efforts for cremains into disaster response plans becomes increasingly essential. Funeral directors, equipped with knowledge and resources, can be instrumental in these endeavors, ensuring that the memories and remains of loved ones are preserved, even in the face of nature’s most formidable challenges.
