One devastating byproduct of the rapid spread of wildfires is that precious items are often left behind. That includes the cremated remains of loved ones.
In 2017, a group of archaeologists founded a nonprofit called the to help reunite families with their loved ones' remains. The recovery process includes two steps. First, cremains are located with the help of specially trained dogs. Then, archaeologists carefully separate the remains from other debris. There is never a cost to families. (You can learn more about this work in this JPR story from 2022, featuring host Chelsea Rose as a volunteer archaeologist. )
The LA fires represent the biggest recovery effort yet. Chelsea Rose, host of Underground History, spoke with Alex DeGeorgy, chairman of the Alta Heritage Foundation board, and Mike Newland, the foundation's treasurer.
One crucial way to help is by not disturbing any burned areas to search for cremains before trained teams arrive. You can also learn about donating or other ways to support this work at .
If you are interested in learning more, you can read this JPR story from 2022, featuring host Chelsea Rose as a volunteer archaeologist.
