LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The intense summer heat can cause the temperature of asphalt to rise to 180 degrees which can burn the bottom of someone’s feet in a matter of seconds. For that reason, Las Vegas valley fire departments are holding their annual Flip Flop Challenge.
The Flip Flop Challenge asks for the community’s help in providing those in need with flip-flops to protect their feet from the searing asphalt.
The Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation is partnered with the Las Vegas Fashion Council to collect and provide new and unused flip flops to prevent burn injuries. The Flip Flop Challenge is in its fourth year and was created in response to area hospitals requesting flip-flops for their patients who don’t have appropriate footwear.
Any bare skin touching 180-degree asphalt can suffer second-degree burns within a few seconds. In 2023, University Medical Center reported only three pavement burns during the month of June. This year, the hospital reports 23 pavement burns.
All donated flip-flips will go to local hospital patients and homeless shelters to provide those in need with necessary footwear. So far, members of the Las Vegas Fire Training Center have delivered more than 700 flip-flips around the community.
You can donate new and unused flip-flops, hats, or visors through Sunday, July 14. At any of the drop-off locations listed below:
Las Vegas Fire and Rescue
- Station 1: 500 N. Casino Center Dr.
- Station 44: 7701 W. Washington Blvd.
- Station 48: 9133 Elkhorn Rd.
Clark County Fire Department
- Station 18: 575 E. Flamingo Rd.
- Station 27: 4695 E. Vegas Valley Dr.
- Station 34: 8675 W. Oquendo Rd.
North Las Vegas Fire Department
- Station 51: 2626 E. Carey Ave.
- Station 53: 2804 W. Gowan Rd.
Henderson Fire Department
- Station 82: 401 Parkson Rd.
- Station 95: 2300 Pebble Rd.
Cowabunga Water Parks
- Canyon: 7055 S. Fort Apache Rd.
- Bay: 900 W. Galleria Dr.
BEST Agency
- 5802 S. Decatur Blvd. Ste. #110
