The Los Angeles Wildfires
Devastating. Heart-wrenching. Apocalyptic.
It feels like a living nightmare.
Entire homes, small businesses, streets, neighborhoods, communities, wildlife, parks, and belongings—completely decimated.
Some of my closest friends have lost everything they own except the clothes on their backs.
While I’m from Montreal and have lived in SF and NY, LA is where I put down roots.
LA is home.
It’s where my deepest relationships, memories, experiences, and places reside.
It's my entire life.
The enormity of these fires and the devastation they’ve caused defies mental reasoning and logic; rather, it demands heart, empathy, and compassion to even begin to process.
Yes, it is absolutely unacceptable.
The issue of the fire hydrants being empty is unacceptable.
The issue of the water shortage is unacceptable.
The issue of underfunded fire departments is unacceptable.
The issue of deforestation is unacceptable.
But, now is absolutely NOT the time for us to turn on each other.
It’s not about pointing fingers at Democrats, Republicans, or anyone else.
It’s about recognizing that humanity as a whole has fallen short—in how we care for ourselves, for each other, and for our planet.
In the meantime, particularly right now, we need to stand together and bear witness to the unimaginable suffering, loss, trauma, despair, sadness, and pain currently happening, even though we will never fully understand the magnitude of it all.
It all happened so damn fast.
In the blink of an eye.
It’s not just about losing your home, your business, your street, your neighborhood, your community, your belongings, or the things you kept to remind you that those loved were once here, even though that’s all devastating enough.
It’s about the human dimension of what this all means.
What do people do now? Where do they go? How do they move forward? How do they deal with their loved ones, children, and animals who went through this extremely traumatic event?
Healing and rebuilding will take years, even decades.
But, it will only be possible if we show up for each other in ways we never have before.
I am doing my best to stay strong and to remain of service (more on that below), holding onto hope that this marks the beginning of a new way of being and living.
So, please check in on your friends, family, colleagues, loved ones, and even acquaintances or people you barely know in the Los Angeles area.
I am deeply grateful to be safe, and my heart goes out to everyone suffering in this very moment.
We WILL heal.
We WILL rebuild.
And, we WILL do it together.
How To Protect Your Lungs
The air quality in Los Angeles is quite terrible right now, so if you’re in the area, here’s how to protect your lungs and yourself.
In the aftermath of an absolutely catastrophic fire like this, the most critical thing you can do for yourself, your family, your children, and your animals is quite simple.
DO NOT BREATHE IN THE TOXINS and KEEP THE POLLUTED AIR COMPLETELY OUT OF YOUR LUNGS.
This requires both 1) improving your indoor air quality and 2) limiting outdoor exposure.
These toxins and chemicals are in the air, whether you smell them or not:
Ammonia
Benzene (VOCs)
Sulfur dioxide
Carbon monoxide
Phosgene
Lead
Mercury
Cadmium
Hydrochloride acid
Dioxins-furans
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Particulate matter (PM)
Toluene-xylene
Acrolein
Formaldehyde
Nitrous oxide
Nitrogen compounds
Check The Air Quality
Most weather apps (even the Apple Weather app) now show AQI (air quality index), but it can vary by region.
Check airnow.gov — the official EPA source.
Check iqair.com for detailed breakdowns and coverage.
Check map.purpleair.com for detailed breakdowns and coverage.
I personally avoid being outdoors if the AQI is above 100, and you should too.
DO NOT RELY ON SMELL, as clear-looking or unscented air can still be unsafe. If the AQI is poor, minimize your outdoor exposure.
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Close all windows and doors.
Take off your shoes when you come inside your home.
Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter that also has a high CADR score for smoke, such as AirDoctor (discount applied at checkout), Jaspr, or Molekule.
AirDoctor is currently selling their commercial units — AD3000 and AD5000 — at 80% off in the Los Angeles area if you call (800-221-2515) or email (info@airdoctorpro.com).
I have one in every single room of my house, but I especially recommend having one in your bedroom where you sleep.
Avoid burning scented candles, air fresheners, or other fragranced products.
Avoid using gas stoves.
Swap out household cleaners for non-toxic ones like Branch Basics (MEGHAN15 at checkout) and Blueland (discount applied at checkout)
Avoid vacuuming, as this stirs up particles.
If AQI is really bad, consider staying indoors and even wearing an N95 mask indoors. I avoid being outdoors if the AQI is above 100.
Check to make sure you have recently replaced your HVAC filter(s). They should ideally be changed every 2–3 months. Look for a MERV rating as high as your HVAC system can handle—ideally around 13.
Limit Your Outdoor Exposure
Wear a proper N95 or KN95 mask.
Avoid exercising outdoors, as this increases lung exposure.
Use indoor treadmills or do any other movement indoors.
Keep outdoor trips short and essential.
Again, most importantly, DO NOT RELY ON SMELL. Clear-looking or unscented air can still be unsafe.
Again, always check AQI levels before going outside. I avoid being outdoors if the AQI is above 100.
If you have asthma or other respiratory issues, children (developing lungs), or pets, be especially mindful of these tips.
If you have health conditions, keep an inhaler nearby and watch for symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or chest tightness. If you notice these symptoms, go inside immediately.
Do you have any other tips? Please drop them in the comments below.
Even if you’re not in Los Angeles, please share this post with anyone you know in the LA area who may benefit, as this is absolutely critical information.
Join Me in Supporting Over 8,000 Firefighters and First Responders
Finally, I’m excited to share an important initiative I’m part of, alongside several holistic wellness providers, to support more than 15,000 brave firefighters and first responders working tirelessly to combat the devastating fires in Los Angeles — The First Responder Wellness Project.
While many families, children, pets, and communities are suffering and need help right now, the men and women on the frontlines are often overlooked once their work is done.
That’s why our team is coordinating care packages to supply critical detox and wellness support—like supplements (vitamin C, glutathione, NAC, binders, liver support, lung support, magnesium, quercetin, and more)—as well as free rejuvenating treatments (acupuncture, IV therapy, massage, breathwork, and chiropractic care) to aid their recovery.
How We’re Making a Difference
We’re assembling supplements and health products to support proper detoxification after increased toxin exposure. We’re also partnering with a growing network of over 30 holistic health practitioners in Los Angeles to offer these heroes rejuvenating therapies they may not otherwise access. Brands like LMNT, DripDrop, Quicksilver, and Vimergy have already stepped up with generous contributions. Your support will help us reach even more first responders.
How Your Donation Helps
All donations will go directly towards purchasing additional supplements and materials for our care packages, including printing and packaging costs. After the items are gathered, our team will hand-deliver them to fire stations and first responders throughout the Los Angeles area over the coming weeks.
This initiative fills a gap between the significant work done by large organizations and the unique need for restorative care—something many of our first responders don’t currently have access to. Funds raised will allow us to continue providing these wellness options and expand our outreach to brands and organizations that can make an even bigger impact.
Every Contribution Counts
No donation is too small. Your generosity directly supports the well-being of the firefighters and first responders who are selflessly protecting our communities. We are beyond grateful for your support in any form—whether it’s a financial donation, spreading the word, or volunteering your own products or services.
Thank you for standing with us in this mission to restore and uplift those who are risking their lives to keep us safe. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of our frontline heroes.
Again, thank you for reading, sharing, and donating.
Stay safe, and let’s continue to look out for one another.