The Lone Peak Fire Resources, part of the Division of Forestry, Fire, & State Lands (FFSL) within the Department of Natural Resources, are headquartered at the State of Utah Wildland Fire Operations Center in South Salt Lake, UT. These resources play an essential role in wildfire management and natural resource projects throughout Utah, contributing to public safety and ecological sustainability.
Historical Overview and Growth
- Origins and Mission: The Lone Peak Conservation Center (LPCC) was established in 1978 with a dual-purpose mission: to provide rehabilitative work opportunities for inmates at the Utah State Prison and to meet the state’s statutory forestry and fire control responsibilities. The program initially relied on inmate crews for forest restoration and wildfire management.
- Transition and Expansion: As security requirements and safety standards evolved, the use of inmate labor became less feasible. LPCC transitioned to a professional workforce, shifting its focus to more comprehensive wildfire and natural resource management. In 2000, LPCC diversified its operations further by establishing civilian state agency fire crews. Partnering with Utah Valley University, LPCC also created an innovative wildland firefighter internship program. This initiative aligned with the National Fire Plan and the Healthy Forests Initiative, addressing critical issues such as reducing wildfire hazards in wildland-urban interfaces and improving overall forest health.
- Current Resources: By 2024, the Lone Peak Fire Resources employed over 140 personnel, managing a variety of specialized teams:
- Lone Peak and Alta Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHCs): Elite wildfire suppression crew recognized nationally for their expertise.
- Twin Peaks and Dromedary Peak Initial Attack Crews: Quick-response crews trained to handle emerging wildfire incidents.
- Thunder Mountain Fuels & Fire Crew: A dedicated team for hazardous fuel reduction and local wildfire response.
- Engines 491 & 492: Engine crew providing direct suppression support.
Relocation and Modernization
The relocation of the Utah State Prison from Draper to Salt Lake City necessitated the LPCC’s move as well. Recognizing this as an opportunity for growth, FFSL began planning the transition over a decade ago. In 2022, the Utah legislature approved funding for a new facility, paving the way for modernization.
FFSL leadership expanded the scope of the project by integrating LPCC operations with the Division’s statewide fire management team, creating the State of Utah Wildland Fire Operations Center. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to enhance collaboration, streamline resource management, and improve fire management capabilities statewide. The new center is scheduled for completion in June 2025 and is poised to become a cornerstone of Utah’s wildfire response and natural resource stewardship.
Operations
Lone Peak Fire Resources are active and available from April through November, the core wildfire season in Utah. Their operations are divided into two primary focuses:
- Wildfire Assignments: Crews remain on-call throughout the fire season, prepared for immediate deployment to wildfire incidents locally, regionally, or nationally.
- Natural Resource Projects: When not assigned to active fires, crews engage in critical resource management work, including hazardous fuel reduction, forest health projects, and ecosystem restoration. These efforts, typically concentrated during spring and fall, aim to reduce wildfire risks and maintain healthier landscapes.
Hotshot Crews
The State of Utah Wildland Fire Operations Center uniquely sponsors two Interagency Hotshot Crews (Lone Peak and Alta). These teams are nationally recognized for their elite training and contributions to wildfire suppression, meeting the rigorous standards set forth in the National Mobilization Guide and the Standards for Interagency Hotshot Crew Operations. As part of a select group within the federally dominated hotshot community, these crews represent the pinnacle of wildfire response capabilities.
Strategic Importance
The Lone Peak Fire Resources stand as a model of effective resource management, advanced firefighting operations, and interagency collaboration. Operating under FFSL within the Department of Natural Resources, these resources address immediate wildfire threats while contributing to long-term forest health and public safety. Their work ensures the protection of Utah’s natural landscapes, communities, and infrastructure, making them an indispensable component of the state’s fire and resource management strategy.