How Will Beekeepers Recover from the Fires?

The devastating and hopeful stories connected to the Palisades and Eaton fires continue to stream on social media and keep our attention. The fire outbreaks that raged across the areas took a toll on many people, including beekeepers who lost hives and honey that is unrecoverable. What may seem insignificant to some is a lifeline for others. Many news stories included families leaving farm animals or pets in the rush to evacuate as fires unrelentingly shifted and took on new strength. Beekeepers, although not on the front pages of those suffering significant loss, are, in fact, working through the aftermath of the devastating fires as well. How will beekeepers recover from the fire? As a resilient group with purposes beyond their own, these beekeepers will rally, support, and work together to bring back healthy hive populations throughout Southern California.

Altadena Hives Destroyed

One particular story of a beekeeper in the wake of the Eaton fire has brought to light the dedication this tremendous responsibility requires. Mr. Steele began watering the property well before the Eaton fire near his Altadena home. Preparing for a fire is full-time work, as tasks continue to build up and get checked off. Those with property do what they can to minimize triggers and intensify the fire. However, the Santa Ana winds are unrelenting and can change so quickly that they rarely allow time for full preparation. The Steele family shifted to collecting irreplaceable items as the winds shifted, and it looked as if their home and hives were on the direct path of the Eaton fire.

Although the family had evacuated for fires in previous years and stayed back to fight them off in others, this one was different. As the family loaded the cars, it became increasingly evident that the hives were in danger. Within an hour of evacuation, their home and hives were overcome with flames, and all were lost. All the honey they had stored, 188 hives, and structures were gone. In 49 years of beekeeping, this was surreal. What is a natural sanctuary, where the bees have lived and thrived for decades, drew the Steele family to the area. Of course, natural habitats are at risk during fires, and the family’s dedication to environmental issues and health will undoubtedly be the cornerstone of their rebuilding.

Long-Lasting Effects of Fires on Pollination

The critical beginning of pollination starts in the almond groves in California. The fires have forced families and other beekeepers to cancel their contracts. Unable to ensure sufficient bees with the losses, even rebuilding will take years to return to a lucrative income from beekeeping.

As bee populations suffer, so does pollination, and the delays can have long-lasting effects. In addition to the loss of hives, equipment, and other costly resources, with so much area devastated, it will take time to recover. The time gap between now and rebuilding will be noticeable and impact beekeepers’ abilities in areas affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires.

As fires destroy vegetation, flooding and mudslides are a reality, especially for those on large properties. Replacing hives and bees will be a process, but the resilience of beekeepers will become its own story.

How to Help with Faster Recovery

Anyone can help beekeepers by purchasing local honey. Although some, like the Steele family, won't be selling honey anytime soon, when they do, the best way to support them is to stay local. Purchasing local honey from any beekeeper supports their business and allows them to continue helping bees thrive in the region.

Another way to help is to spread the word about handling bee concerns. Local beekeepers are usually happy to collect bees and have the equipment to do so safely. Bees should never be killed or hives sprayed with toxic pesticides. Bees are not typically aggressive unless they feel threatened, which is why it is best to contact a professional bee removal company if a hive needs to be moved from a location. D-Tek Bee Removal is owned and operated by an experienced beekeeper with qualified and skilled removal and repair technicians on staff. As surviving bees also begin the rebuild and re-population process following the fires, choosing humane and live removal is the best option to help out!