Southern Nevada Heroes Return Home After Battling Devastating California Wildfires

The Southern Nevada Strike Team, made up of 45 courageous firefighters from Clark County Fire Department, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, and Henderson Fire Department, has returned home after two grueling weeks fighting deadly wildfires in Los Angeles County. These brave men and women stepped up to assist their Southern California counterparts in battling two major blazes that left devastation in their wake.

The team was divided into two groups: 24 firefighters were sent on January 8 to tackle the Palisades Fire, which consumed more than 23,000 acres and claimed 11 lives. A second 21-member team was deployed on January 9 to help contain the Eaton Fire, which burned through 14,000 acres and tragically took 17 lives.

Clark County Fire Department Captain Travis Grove shared his shock and sadness at the overwhelming destruction. “I really have a loss for words,” he said. “Seeing the devastation and everything that happened—it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my 22 years of firefighting.”

Captain Jasmine Ghazinour echoed those sentiments, describing the devastation they witnessed firsthand. “The entire area was full of people who lost everything—their houses, their food, their way of living,” she said.

Courage in the Face of Chaos

Throughout their deployment, the strike team focused on extinguishing building fires, protecting homes, clearing debris, and supporting evacuated families returning to ashes where their homes once stood. Captain Grove recounted heartbreaking moments, such as meeting survivors sifting through rubble for sentimental items, like a cherished plant from a loved one.

Even amid such overwhelming loss, the firefighters witnessed incredible acts of community resilience. “Every other block had people giving out food and water,” Captain Ghazinour said. “It reminded me of One October,” referring to the unity Southern Nevada experienced following the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting.

A Community’s Gratitude

As they returned home Thursday evening, these brave firefighters brought back not just memories of destruction but also stories of humanity’s unyielding spirit. Their dedication to saving lives and properties underscores the selflessness and heroism we so deeply respect in our first responders.

After their deployment, the returning firefighters will have a well-earned mandatory three-day break before resuming their duties in Southern Nevada.

Let’s not forget to thank these heroes for their tireless efforts in the face of such devastation. How can we better support our first responders as they continue to serve both local and national communities?

Source: 8 News Now