Utah Firefighters Return Home After Braving California Wildfires

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More than 60 firefighters from Utah made their way back home on Sunday after a 17-day mission in California, where they helped battle the intense wildfires threatening the Los Angeles area.

As they reunited with their families, the crew reflected on their demanding experience on the frontlines.

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“It was a tough 17 days, and I really missed my family,” said Mike Goff, a captain with the Sandy Fire Department. “But we were focused, and it was rewarding to help.”

The Utah team began their deployment in Pacific Palisades, working to protect homes and structures from the advancing flames. Goff recalled one of their first shifts lasting a grueling 40 hours.

“It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my career,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll ever encounter anything like it again.”

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As the days passed, the crew shifted gears from battling flames to monitoring for hot spots and helping residents recover what they could from their properties—many of which had been destroyed.

“The devastation was hard to watch. Many people were seeing their homes gone for the first time,” Goff added. “It was heartbreaking.”

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Despite the emotional toll, the experience gave the firefighters a valuable new perspective and skills they could apply back home. “We saw a lot of similarities between the areas that burned there and some of the east side of our valley here,” Goff said. “It’s made us more prepared if a similar situation were to occur here.”

The physical demands of the work were intense, but the Utah firefighters took comfort in the overwhelming support they received from the Los Angeles community. Local residents and businesses offered them access to gyms, salons, meals, drinks, and other services.

“The love and support from the community was incredible,” Goff said.

Kelly Bird from the United Fire Authority shared how a social media influencer reached out to help. She raised $13,000 to provide food and supplies for the firefighters.

“We had to get help from the Santa Monica Fire Department to manage all the donations because we couldn’t take everything,” Bird said. “It was an outpouring of generosity.”

During their time in California, the Utah firefighters also collaborated closely with neighboring state fire departments. Bird praised the mutual support system that has been established between states in times of need.

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“It’s a great resource we have, and hopefully, we never have to use it, but it’s good to know we’re prepared if we do,” Bird said.

As the firefighters return home, they hope the public’s attention on the wildfires will continue to spotlight the challenges faced by affected communities.

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