Witnessing a great fire through female eyes: A phenomenological study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to provide an in-depth analysis of women’s experiences following a major forest fire. Methods: In qualitative research, sample size is not statistically determined, as generalization is not the primary goal. A small number of participants can yield rich data. The interview form included 3 demographic questions and 10 open-ended items aligned with the study’s objectives. Data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA version 24.1.0. Results: Thematic analysis identified 3 main themes: Emotional Response, Fire Intervention, and Gender, comprising 8 categories. Participants commonly reported intense fear and anxiety, accompanied by physical symptoms such as tension and elevated blood pressure. Primary concerns involved the loss of pets, resources, security, and shelter. Women were found to be deeply affected emotionally and psychologically by the fire experience. Conclusions: Thestudyrevealedthatwomenwereequallyengagedinfirefighting effortsas men andalsoplayedacrucialcaregivingrole,offeringsupporttoaffectedindividuals.Thesedualroles reflect both their resilience and the emotional burden they carried. The findings underscore the significant psychological impact of wildfires on womenandhighlightthenecessity ofintegrating gender-sensitive approaches in disaster response and recovery efforts.