During the Eaton Fire that struck Los Angeles in January 2025, Galen Buckwalter, a 68-year-old quadriplegic, faced a harrowing experience as he was forced to evacuate his Sierra Madre home without his power wheelchair or vehicle. The fire, which began on January 7 and burned over 14,000 acres, destroyed or damaged more than 10,000 structures and claimed the lives of 28 individuals, including some with disabilities. Buckwalter, who relies on a customized power wheelchair for mobility, found himself in a dire situation when his van—adapted to carry his chair—was at a repair shop and unavailable for evacuation.
As the fire approached, Buckwalter’s neighborhood was engulfed in smoke and debris, and power was lost throughout the city. In the absence of his van, Buckwalter attempted to navigate the streets on his own, using his wheelchair through darkened roads, with the hope of reaching safety. His wife, Deborah, who serves as his primary caregiver, was responsible for packing their emergency supplies, which included necessary medications and specialized equipment for his care. But the biggest challenge was transportation—his 400-pound power wheelchair could not be lifted into a regular car, and with evacuation zones closing, no wheelchair-accessible vehicles were available.
This situation underscores the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities during emergencies. According to the United Nations, people with disabilities are two to four times more likely to perish in disasters than the general population. This highlights the need for specific planning for people with disabilities, especially in terms of transportation and medical needs. Buckwalter emphasized that, for him, his power chair and vehicle are integral to his independence, and without them, evacuating becomes nearly impossible.
The experience brought to light the stark disparities in emergency preparedness for disabled versus non-disabled individuals, emphasizing the need for comprehensive planning that includes alternative transportation and care strategies in disaster situations.
