Four North Idaho firefighters received a warm homecoming Tuesday after spending two weeks battling fires in Los Angeles, with Tyler Turrell's reunion with his sons, Doxon, Summit and Brixton, highlighting the emotional scene outside the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District station in Hayden.

The crew, consisting of Brad Belmont, Eric Sorenson, Josh Gernns and Turrell, faced one final challenge on their return journey when their engine developed driveline issues requiring repairs.

"We all had family members who were able to let us leave, and life continued to go along while we were in a different element," said Gernns, acknowledging the "huge stress on family life" the deployment caused.

"Idaho families allowed us to do what we signed on for, but it's the longest time I've been away from my wife," he said.

After a two-day drive to California, the crew found themselves in unfamiliar territory but experienced unexpected warmth from local residents, even those who had lost their homes.

"The people of California were happy to see us," Gernns said. "There was confusion at first, but our career has rolled on the principle of go with the flow."

Turrell described driving through the fire-ravaged areas as "apocalyptic," adding, "What tested me the most was putting the engine with how many burnt cars there were and rubble in the street."

Battalion Chief Brad Belmont plans to take two days off before returning to duty but noted that leadership is already planning improvements for future large-scale deployments. 

"I know Idaho is going to be working on a much better program on a chief's level," he said.

Fire Captain Max Buccawich of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue emphasized the strong bonds formed during the deployment. 

"It was heartening to see that level of community everybody was just banding together," he said.

    The state flag of Idaho hangs from the back of a Northern Lakes Fire Protection District vehicle. The Northern Lakes crew of four returned from assisting during the Los Angeles County fires Tuesday afternoon.
 

    Northern Lakes firefighters were dispatched to support firefighting efforts related to the Palisades Fire as part of Task Force No. 5.