The Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation consists of fire department active personnel from Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, Clark County, Henderson, and North Las Vegas Fire Departments.
While fighting fires, firefighters witnessed many burn victims and their families suffer physically and emotionally after ultimately losing their homes and necessities. These firefighters from across the valley decided to do something to help. They began holding fund raisers so that they could give financial support to these victims of fire. At this time, the firefighters also began to work closely with the Burn Unit at UMC hospital in helping to care for these victims, in a joint effort to help those families in need after such a catastrophic event.
The common practice developed into the following: When firefighters anywhere in the valley were faced with a burn victim or family in need of support, they would contact a representative of this coalition to help out.
Due to the firefighters’ success in helping others and raising funds, this coalition began to take it further in the community and began to collect Christmas toys for the disadvantaged children throughout the valley and have provided thousands of children in need at least one gift during the holidays. For over 8 years, they have held successful Toy Drives and given back to the children in our community. Five years ago, they took another step to further the assistance by holding a yearly Firefighter Bachelor Auction which has brought in funding for the many families and charities in the community for support.
In 2003 it became apparent that it was time for this coalition to become a formal charity itself. They became a (501c3) charitable organization and continue today to provide support to those families in need throughout Southern Nevada.