Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Utah firefighters returned home after a 17-day deployment in California.
- They battled wildfires, protected homes, and assisted residents in the Los Angeles area.
- The experience provided new skills, and they received strong community support.
SANDY — More than 60 Utah firefighters returned home Sunday after a 17-day deployment to California, where they assisted in battling the devastating wildfires that have plagued the Los Angeles area.
They reunited with family and loved ones, and reflected on their time spent on the frontlines.
"It was a long, grueling 17 days, and I definitely missed the family," Sandy Fire Capt. Mike Goff said.
The Utah crews began their work in Pacific Palisades, where they spent their first days protecting homes and structures from flames. Goff said their first shift lasted 40 hours.
"I've never seen anything like it in all my career. I'm sure that I never will," Goff said.
He said about halfway into their trip, they shifted to cleaning up and watching for lingering hotspots.
Firefighters also helped residents find belongings on their properties, most of which had been destroyed.
"It was heartbreaking. A lot of people ... were seeing their homes burned to the ground for the first time," Goff said.
He said the experience gave them a new perspective and additional skills to apply in the future.
"A lot of similarities with what burned there with some of the east side of our valley here," he said. "We feel like we're a little more experienced and ready for if that day were to come here."
We feel like we're a little more experienced and ready for if that day were to come here.
–Capt. Mike Goff, Sandy Fire Department
While the work was physically demanding, the firefighters found comfort in the outpouring of support from the local community. They were offered access to gyms, salons, food, drinks and other services from people in the Los Angeles area.
"The love was incredible," Goff said.
Kelly Bird with the United Fire Authority said a social media influencer reached out to provide support. She raised $13,000 and wanted to buy them food.
"We actually had to have somebody from the Santa Monica Fire Department where we were stationed, kind of manage all the donations that were coming in because we couldn't take everything, otherwise it would've just gone to waste," Bird said.
He said they formed a compact with neighboring states' fire departments during their deployment.
"It's an awesome thing that we have as neighboring states and hopefully we don't ever have to use it," Bird said. "But if in case we do, we are prepared to put out that request and we're sure that the states that are around us will answer."
As they return to their families, the Utah firefighters hope the public's attention on the wildfires will continue to shine a light on the communities affected.
