Vegas Veteran Escalates HOA Dispute Over Vintage Iraq Fire Hydrant Display

A Las Vegas military veteran is escalating his dispute with his homeowners' association after reportedly being cited for displaying vintage fire hydrants that honor his service and career. Brent Saba, a firefighter and fire inspector, stated that his HOA recently demanded the removal of three non-operational hydrants situated in his front yard. The association alleged the items violated landscaping regulations governing the front and side yards, according to KSNV News 3 Las Vegas.

Saba explained that the hydrants, including one he personally retrieved from Iraq during a deployment, have been on display since he moved into the neighborhood more than a year ago without prior objection. "This hydrant right here, I brought this fire hydrant home from Iraq," Saba said. "I served over in Iraq for about a year, year and a half or so. So that one there was a special piece." He noted that many neighbors support the display, adding, "How are they going to tell the guy with over 30 years in the fire service, you got to get rid of your fire hydrants? I mean, it's not like it's clutter... It's not like it's defacing anything. … My neighbors all even think it looks good."

Following the issuance of the citation, the HOA instructed Saba to submit an application to retain the hydrants. Although he provided written endorsements from neighbors, his request was denied. Saba reported receiving further communications suggesting additional homeowner approval might be necessary. "I'm a fire inspector and when I write up a violation on a building, imagine if I wrote up something that didn't even apply to what the write up was," he said. "I would look like a fool."

Saba later confirmed to FOX Business on Saturday that the HOA informed him he may keep the hydrants. However, he criticized the association's conduct, stating, "I mean this HOA in this neighborhood is out of control," and noting that the board "thought that they could bully me and manipulate me." The controversy has led Saba to reconsider his future in the neighborhood. "It was just kind of for me was the last straw," he said. "And I was like, 'I'm not gonna go down without a fight.' I'm hoping things actually improve for this neighborhood."

Attorney Chad Cummings of Cummings & Cummings Law told Realtor.com that such disputes are not uncommon. "HOA boards misapply their own governing documents all the time, and this case is a textbook example," Cummings said. He highlighted that the board cited a rule regarding "storage items" to regulate what were actually decorative display pieces, arguing that the distinction matters significantly. The Antelope HOA could not be immediately reached by FOX Business for comment.