I made a few trips south to Ashland and surrounding areas to work on a story for the New York Times on the regional food scene in the wake of a devastating 2020 wildfire. The Almeda fire burned thousands of acres, destroyed a few thousand structures, and its impact on the region is still felt years later. For the story, we looked at the recovery of the dining scene from both the fire and Covid-related closures, the aftermath of those who lost homes and restaurants, and groups that formed to address the food needs of victims of the fire.