And then I went to school and, Ash started falling.

And people started gathering and talking.

So I didn't know what was going on.

Seven years ago.

The city of Paradise was ravaged by wildfire, one of the deadliest in U.S.

history, killing 85 people, displacing at least 26,000 others, and burning more than 18,000 buildings, including schools.

The recovery process has been long, especially for students.

Maya Poe, who graduated from Home Tech Charter School in Paradise, lost her home in the fire and bounced around motels and rentals with her family before being able to rebuild and return to Paradise.

Just two years ago.

I feel like a lot of people will see on the news like, oh, that happened.

It stays there for a long, long time.

Kenny Michael, a high school senior, was in fifth grade when the fire erupted.

Once an enthusiastic learner, Michael failed fifth grade and lost interest in school.

She worried about her grandmother, who lost neighbors in the fire.

One of the things I noticed that, like the campfire has kind of impacted my life is it's very hard for me to write about fire.

Just I've been through it.

So I can write about it pretty realistically, but it's hard.

Today, the community is adjusting to a new normal.

New homes are sprouting up on once scorched lots.

Businesses are returning and students are moving forward.

School officials are advising other communities, including those in Los Angeles, on how to rebuild after a natural disaster.

Po is going to college to become an engineer.

While Michael plans to pursue writing for cats.

There's still things I'm working through, but things are getting easier.

but I can't say that for everyone because, me and my grandma still go to the dog park and we still talk to people who are still like, oh, yeah, I'm only now rebuilding after the fire.

For CalMatters, I'm Carolyn Jones.