Carbondale Fire’s Engine 84 set off last Friday to join the front lines of the Palisades Fire in California, working alongside a Colorado strike team to combat the massive blaze. 

Since Jan. 7, multiple wildfires in southern California have left a trail of devastation. As of 11:16 a.m. on Thursday, the Palisades Fire has claimed eight lives, destroying 2,191 structures, and burning through 23,713 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The strike team, made up of engines from Vail Fire and Emergency Services, Grand Junction Fire Department, Los Pinos Fire District, Cortez Fire Protection District, Upper Pine Fire Protection District, and Carbondale Fire, began their trek across state lines over the weekend. The journey was unique, as crews drove through snowstorms on their way west — a rare challenge for a wildfire deployment.

“This was one of the first times we’ve sent crews to wildfires while dealing with snowstorms,” Carbondale Fire PIO Jenny Cutright said. “It’s not something you hear about often, but our team made it safely and is doing well.”

Once in California, the team reported to a staging area and was assigned to the Palisades Fire by Sunday morning. Since then, they’ve worked 24-hour shifts alongside other crews, facing tough conditions and widespread destruction.

Accompanying the Carbondale crew on their mission is Baby Fox, a stuffed animal sent by 4-year-old Hollyn Marostica, the daughter of Carbondale Fire Lt. Ryan Marostica. Having grown up around the fire department, Hollyn felt it was important to do her part to support the firefighters and help keep them safe.

“When Hollyn heard the crew was heading out, her whole concern was making sure they felt safe and loved,” Cutright said. “She sent Baby Fox along to help them, and that was a huge gesture for her.”

When Hollyn handed over Baby Fox, her message to the crew was simple: “Be safe.” That small but meaningful gesture carried extra weight as the firefighters prepared to face the challenges of the Palisades Fire.

Baby Fox has quickly become a cherished member of Engine 84’s crew, boosting morale during long shifts. After one 24-hour shift, the firefighters even took Baby Fox on a quick trip to the beach before heading back to rest.

“Everyone knows how much Baby Fox means to her,” Cutright said. “It was a huge gesture that meant a lot to Engine 84.”

Large incidents like the Palisades Fire require more resources than any one agency can provide, Cutright said. 

“This fire has caused a lot of devastation. We’re glad to help,” Cutright said. “We know that if we ever need it, others will come to our aid too.”

Cutright said the sight of Colorado fire engines traveling together through Utah and Nevada was a powerful reminder of the teamwork it takes to face such emergencies.

“It must have been incredible for people to see all those engines from different departments traveling together,” Cutright said. “It shows the collaboration and effort needed to fight these massive fires.”

As the Palisades Fire continues to rage, the crew has been met with immense gratitude from the affected communities.

“People are so thankful to see us there,” Cutright said. “We’re seeing a lot of destruction, but knowing we can provide some relief makes it worthwhile.”

Hollyn’s small act of sending Baby Fox has become a bright spot amid the chaos, reminding everyone of the humanity behind the hard work.

“She was so worried about them going, but sending Baby Fox was her way of helping,” Cutright said. “And I think it’s helping more than she could have imagined.”