Camp Fire recovery: Paradise schools highlight long-term impact on learning
Iain Hoey
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Balancing mental health with academics
CalMatters has reported that schools in Paradise, California continue to face long-term challenges nearly seven years after the Camp Fire.
The outlet explained that the wildfire, one of the deadliest in United States history, destroyed homes, schools and disrupted thousands of children’s education.
According to CalMatters, educators initially prioritised mental health over academics, but this decision had lasting effects on student performance.
Carrie Dawes, health and wellness coordinator for Paradise Unified, said: “People think, natural disaster — mental health. They don’t think about the academic component to it.
“You put that aside when you have a little kiddo crying because they don’t have a house to live in. You’re not going to say, ‘OK, snap out of it. We’ve got math to do.’”
CalMatters reported that last year only 13% of graduating seniors in Paradise Unified met California’s public university entrance requirements or completed a career training programme, compared with 45% statewide.
The outlet added that not one student from the district enrolled as a freshman at the University of California.
Academic decline after school closures
CalMatters reported that the 2018 Camp Fire displaced at least 26,000 people and destroyed more than 18,000 buildings, including most of Paradise’s schools.
The organisation explained that 85 people died in the fire, including some trapped in their cars while fleeing.
It stated that Paradise Unified schools recorded 154 closure days during the 2018-19 school year, affecting about 4,200 students across 12 schools.
According to CalMatters, extended closures contributed to steep academic decline.
The outlet referenced research from the NWEA showing that middle schoolers who miss one week of school due to extreme weather fall behind by three weeks in reading and almost four in maths.
Community change after the fire
CalMatters reported that Achieve Charter School superintendent Casey Taylor described the immediate aftermath of the Camp Fire as a “hero phase” where the community rallied to rebuild.
Taylor said that the optimism faded as residents grew weary of living out of suitcases and faced the cost of rebuilding.
According to CalMatters, student enrolment at Paradise Unified is still less than half pre-fire levels, with 1,657 students in 2024 compared with 3,441 in 2017.
The outlet noted that the current student body is now lower income, more diverse and includes more students with disabilities.
It added that at least a quarter of students are new to the district and did not experience the fire.
Impact on teachers and staff
CalMatters explained that teachers played a central role in stabilising the community after the fire.
It reported that many teachers had also lost their homes, leaving them to negotiate with insurance companies while commuting long distances — in some cases more than 100 miles — to reach their students.
Taylor said that a turning point came when her school returned to its original campus after three years in a temporary church facility in Chico.
She added: “In the beginning, we did a lot of art and singing. Taking daily walks. We had baby goats and therapy dogs. That’s what we needed.”
Taylor continued: “Families sobbed when they saw the new playground and the freshly painted school buildings.”
Rebuilding and the next phase
According to CalMatters, Paradise Unified is now working to restore academic standards alongside emotional support.
The outlet reported that teachers have been encouraged to raise expectations while schools provide tutoring and other services to help students regain progress.
Taylor said that emotional wellbeing and academic rigour should not be considered mutually exclusive.
CalMatters reported that in June the district began rebuilding its main elementary school, a 46,000-square-foot facility that will include a STEM lab, soccer field and outdoor stage.
The outlet added that community leaders view the new campus as a milestone in recovery and a step toward long-term stability.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The experience of Paradise demonstrates the extended timeline required for communities to recover from catastrophic fires.
The case highlights the impact of disasters on education systems, workforce stability and local infrastructure.
For fire and safety professionals, the lessons underline the importance of long-term planning in emergency management and community resilience.
They also illustrate how recovery extends beyond physical rebuilding to include ongoing social and educational support.
Camp Fire recovery shows long road for schools: Summary
CalMatters has reported that schools in Paradise, California are still struggling nearly seven years after the Camp Fire.
The wildfire destroyed most of the town, killed 85 people and displaced at least 26,000.
Schools initially prioritised mental health over academics, contributing to academic decline.
In 2024 only 13% of Paradise Unified seniors met university entrance or career training requirements, compared with 45% statewide.
Test scores in maths and reading remain low.
Paradise Unified recorded 154 school closure days in the 2018-19 school year.
Research cited by CalMatters found disaster-related absences disproportionately harm student progress.
Community enrolment is less than half pre-fire levels and more diverse.
Teachers were also affected, with some commuting more than 100 miles.
Paradise Unified broke ground in June on a new 46,000-square-foot elementary school campus.
The district is working to balance emotional support with raising academic standards.
Recovery has shown the importance of addressing both infrastructure and educational needs after disasters.