In the heart of California’s Eastern Coachella Valley, where scorching heat and relentless winds amplify the threat of wildfires, a group of Latina women is taking a stand. Their mission: is to illuminate the critical gaps in wildfire preparedness and resilience for the state’s most vulnerable communities. Their work has not only sparked local change but also captured international attention.
The Wildfire and Smoke Experiences Project, a collaborative effort between Communities for a New California (CNC) and UC Irvine’s Program in Public Health, is amplifying the voices of low-income, Spanish-speaking, rural residents whose struggles with wildfires have largely gone unnoticed. Recently spotlighted by a major international publication, the initiative sheds light on systemic inequities that leave these communities disproportionately exposed to climate-related disasters.
A Community at Risk
Wildfires in California have grown more frequent and intense, yet essential resources remain scarce in the Eastern Coachella Valley (ECV). Home to predominantly Latino farmworkers, the region faces significant challenges that heighten its vulnerability to fire disasters. A lack of Spanish-language resources for wildfire preparedness leaves many residents uninformed about safety measures, while illegal dumping and burning of green and electronic waste exacerbate fire risks. Limited government services and inadequate infrastructure in rural areas further compound the problem, making it difficult for communities to access the necessary support.
Additionally, displacement risks for unhoused residents add another layer of instability, as these individuals often have no secure shelter during wildfire emergencies. “This project was led by Latina women dedicated to amplifying the voices of those living in small, vulnerable communities,” said Anna Lisa Vargas, Coachella Valley Lead Organizer, CNC. “Wildfire education is not just a tool for preparedness—it’s a lifeline for these communities. With the current wildfires devastating LA County, the urgency to address these issues has never been greater.”
Through participatory research and direct engagement, the Wildfire and Smoke Experiences Project has documented the severe health impacts experienced by these communities, ranging from respiratory illnesses to mental health stress caused by repeated smoke exposure. Community members have spoken out, emphasizing the need for wildfire education in Spanish, affordable waste management services, and tailored emergency preparedness strategies.
At the forefront of this movement are Latina women whose unwavering commitment to social justice and community advocacy is rewriting the narrative on environmental equity.
Anna Lisa Vargas: A Champion for Environmental and Social Justice
Raised in the rural community of Thermal, California, Anna Lisa Vargas has dedicated her life to uplifting her neighbors and fighting for systemic change. A founding board member of CNC, Vargas has led numerous community engagement initiatives, including air monitoring projects and wildfire exposure studies. Her work on the AB 617 Eastern Coachella Valley Community Steering Committee is instrumental in developing air quality monitoring and emission reduction strategies.
Beyond environmental advocacy, Vargas has mobilized residents for political engagement, spearheaded wildfire-related health research, and co-authored a peer-reviewed study in Science of the Total Environment.
Mayte Ruiz Garcia: Empowering Communities Through Education
For Mayte Ruiz Garcia, environmental advocacy is personal. Having immigrated from Mexico as a teenager, she understands firsthand the struggles of marginalized communities. Now a Team Lead for the Wildfire & Smoke Experiences Project, Garcia is empowering her community through education, outreach, and participatory action research.
Garcia’s role includes supervising canvassing teams, organizing focus group discussions, and developing educational materials that make wildfire preparedness accessible. In April 2023, she played a key role in planning a Community Climate Action Day at Mecca Community Park, teaching residents about composting, sustainable living, and emergency preparedness.
From Research to Action: A Call for Change
The findings from the Wildfire and Smoke Experiences Project make one thing clear: underserved communities cannot be left behind in wildfire preparedness efforts. The voices of Eastern Coachella Valley residents have underscored the urgent need for action at multiple levels. Local and state governments must allocate funding for Spanish-language resources and emergency services, ensuring that critical information reaches all residents.
Infrastructure investments are essential to address waste disposal and illegal burning practices, which significantly contribute to fire hazards. Additionally, public health interventions must recognize and mitigate the long-term health effects of wildfire smoke exposure, as prolonged exposure can lead to severe respiratory conditions. With California’s wildfires becoming more frequent and devastating, the work of CNC and UC Irvine’s Program in Public Health has never been more crucial. Their research and advocacy have provided a blueprint for how grassroots leadership can drive systemic change—one community at a time.
Their unwavering commitment ignites a movement that refuses to be silenced—a revolution fueled by justice, resilience, and the undeniable power of Latina leadership. Vargas, Garcia, and countless others are not just fighting for change; they are shaping the future, brick by brick, law by law, voice by voice.
Their work is a powerful reflection of the strength in collective action, proving that when communities rise, no barrier is insurmountable. The road ahead may be long, but with their courage lighting the way, a future where environmental justice belongs to everyone is not just a dream—it’s a destiny within reach.