Grey Bull Rescue Deploys & Races to Rescue Californians Trapped by Devastating Wildfires
Nonprofit Urges Immediate Action: Register Now for Critical Evacuation Assistance
TAMPA, Fla. [January 9, 2024] — Grey Bull Rescue, a veteran-led nonprofit recognized for its high-risk international rescue missions, is deployed on the ground to wildfire-ravaged California to rescue and evacuate residents trapped by an unprecedented crisis. With relentless flames consuming vast areas and First Responders, who are already overtaxed and under-resourced, experiencing high-to-hurricane force winds and a critical water shortage, the organization is urging those in danger to evacuate or register immediately for rescue at greybullrescue.org.
These fires are not just destroying homes and infrastructure; they are creating life-threatening conditions across the region, including fatalities. Toxic smoke is blanketing communities, leaving residents struggling to breathe. Encroaching flames are cutting off roads and evacuation routes, isolating families, and putting countless lives in immediate danger. For many, the loss is total—homes reduced to ash, livelihoods gone, and safety nowhere in sight with more devastation likely coming.
Grey Bull Rescue’s Field Operations Team of rescue professionals including law enforcement officers, emergency management experts, military special operations veterans, intelligence experts, and fire service professionals specialize in operating in austere environments, war zones, and natural disasters. Backed by a robust analysis and case management team, the organization is mobilizing to deliver fast, life-saving aid to the affected areas.
“These fires are advancing with brutal speed. Our advance team is already on the ground with the main element arriving shortly to provide air and ground evacuation support. Our team worked the fires in Maui, in addition to Hurricanes Ian, Helene, and Milton. We know all too well how unforgiving mother nature can be and how overwhelmed brave First Responders can get during these large-scale disasters,” said Bryan Stern, Chairman and Founder of Grey Bull Rescue. “Every second is critical, and we are operating with one objective: Get people out of the hot zone, immediately. Due to the scope of these fires, the fire and emergency services cannot be everywhere. Grey Bull Rescue works where others are not. Over 700 missions later, we’ve faced this kind of destruction before and we understand the stakes. We encourage anyone who needs assistance to please register with us, and we will come for you. My team cannot get to you if we don’t know where to find you. We’ll do whatever it takes to save lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the thousands impacted by this tragedy, and especially the brave men and women of the Los Angeles area emergency services who themselves have been hit hard this week.”
Stern’s team brings unparalleled expertise honed during operations like the 2023 Maui wildfires where they led high-risk evacuations and provided critical supplies to survivors using helicopters. In California, in addition to operators, Grey Bull Rescue is deploying water tankers, rescue vehicles, PPE, and other life-saving resources, made possible through the support of corporate partners and grassroots donors.
Grey Bull Rescue’s ability to respond to disasters like these depends entirely on grassroots funding. Donations are urgently needed to purchase critical equipment such as rescue vehicles, medical supplies, water, food, and protective gear for navigating dangerous air quality and fire conditions. Every contribution strengthens their ability to navigate disaster zones, deliver vital supplies, and execute fast evacuations.
“This is a fight for survival—for the people trapped in these fires and for our communities,” Stern added. “The devastation is unimaginable unless you see it with your own eyes, but with your support, we can save lives and offer hope in the face of complete loss. Time and time again, we have seen whole families’ lives whittled down to a backpack.”
Support this life-saving mission by donating at greybullrescue.org/pledge-your-support. Stay informed by following Grey Bull Rescue on social media for real-time updates and mission reports.
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About Grey Bull Rescue: Founded and led by Bryan Stern, Grey Bull Rescue is a veteran-led, donor-supported international rescue organization and filed 501(c)(3) non-profit headquartered in Tampa, Florida, with global operations. Specializing in operations within “The Grey Space,” in conflict zones where the U.S. Government does not have access or a presence, Grey Bull Rescue conducts evacuations and daring rescues of innocent civilians impacted by conflict, war, kidnappings, hostages, human trafficking, and natural disasters worldwide. Bryan Stern, the Founder and former CEO of Project DYNAMO, led the first air rescue missions from Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover and has conducted daring rescue missions behind enemy lines, rescuing thousands of Americans and allies from captivity, torture, and unlawful detention in countries including Sudan, Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Haiti, Lebanon, and Syria. These operations included the rescues of numerous American hostages including the first American victim of war crimes alive since World War II. Additionally, the team executed lifesaving missions in the United States during the Maui wildfires, and Hurricanes Ian, Hellene, and Milton. To date, Stern and his team have conducted more than 700 missions worldwide and saved the lives of more than 7,100 men, women, children, babies, and counting.