Wildland Fire Operations Center

About

The State of Utah Wildland Fire Operations Center is part of the Division of Forestry, Fire, & State Lands (FFSL) within the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). These resources play an essential role in wildfire management and natural resource projects throughout Utah, contributing to public safety and ecological sustainability.

The Wiland Fire Operation Center is active and available from April through November, the core wildfire season in Utah. Their operations are divided into two primary focuses, wildland fire assignments and natural resource projects. Crews within the operations center remain on-call throughout the fire season, prepared for immediate deployment to wildfire incidents locally, regionally and nationally.

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.

The Wildland Fire Operations Center stands as a model of effective resource management, advancing 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.

History

The Wildland Fire Operations Center was established in 1978 as the Lone Peak Conservation Center (LPCC), 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. 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.

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.

Employment

The State of Utah, Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands currently employs 27 career leadership positions and 80 seasonal firefighter positions at Lone Peak Wildfire Resources. Crew members and leadership have the opportunity to move between engine and initial attack crews and a National IHC to gain a variety of experience.

We also manage a college internship fire crew in cooperation with Utah Valley University. There are other career ladder opportunities within the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. These include Area FMO, WUI Coordinators, and County Fire Wardens.

The state adheres to PMS 310-1 Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide and completed Position Task Books (PTB) and experience for determining duty assignments.

Permanent Employee Benefits
The State of Utah offers a very competitive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, 1.5% employer contribution to 401(k), annual leave, sick leave, holiday pay, and a defined pension.

In addition, employees may choose to enroll in voluntary benefits such as vision insurance, additional life insurance, long-term care, Hyatt Legal, and discounted home and auto insurance.

A benefits summary can be found by visiting the Department of Human Resources.

Positions Include:

Seasonal Firefighter

Job Description:
The seasonal firefighter serves as the most basic yet important member of a wildfire crew at Lone Peak Wildfire Resources. They are assigned to suppress the full range of wildland fires and complete fuel mitigation projects. Individuals will develop a working knowledge of fire suppression and fuels management techniques, practices and terminology.

Duties May Consist Of:

Constructing fireline, use of hand firing devices, holding and mop-up
Forming and managing hose lays
Working in and around aircraft such as helicopters and air tankers
Operating various hand tools, small engine equipment, and larger brush disposal equipment or machines
Following all safety protocol, and implementing basic fire behavior principles
Completing various fuel mitigation projects
Driving state-owned vehicles, crew carriers, and/or engines
Extensive travel and exposure to harsh environmental conditions
Performing physically demanding work assignments for long durations of time
Other duties as assigned

Positions Include:

Hotshot Crew – Lead Crewmember
Initial Attack Crew – Squad Leader
Engine – Operator

Job Description:
The employee serves as an agency required mid-level supervisor assigned to complete a full range of wildland fire assignments and fuel mitigation projects. The position will receive specific instructions from supervisor and be required to make independent decisions based their knowledge and experience.

Duties May Consist Of:

Fulfilling the role of an experienced firefighter, supervising a group of individuals
Instructing crewmembers in specific tasks and conducting on-the-job training
Distributing and controlling work assignments among employees and conducting follow-up evaluations
Conducting complex fire assignments such as line construction, backfiring and burnout, securing the control lines; hose lay and pump set-up
Supervising chainsaw operations, complex tree falling and chipper operations
Assuring timely accomplishment and quality assurance of assigned tasks
Completing reports on work accomplishments, ensuring that the work is carried out safely and handling
performance problem and issues at the ground level
Responsible for assigned vehicle maintenance, inventory, and safe operation.
Ensuring all information and changing conditions are communicated
Following all safety protocol, and implementing advanced fire behavior principles.
Fiscal responsibilities relating to purchase cards and all appropriate paperwork
Reporting on subordinate work performance through employee evaluations and making recommendations if/when needed
Ensuring seasonal employees individual performance plan are complete, updated and referenced.
May also lead or work in tandem with additional fire technician II’s and/or other agency personnel. Also, if the candidate is not qualified to the Tech III level, this Tech II position may be used as an under-fill until the qualifications are met
Other duties as assigned

Positions Include:

Fire Warden – Assistant
Hotshot Crew – Squad Leader
Initial Attack Crew – Assistant Crew Supervisor
Engine – Assistant Engine Supervisor

Job Description:
The primary purpose of this position is the supervision and oversight of a highly organized and skilled wildland firefighting resource. Employees in this position are expected to sets goals, objectives, and standards while managing all technical/administrative work, fireline activities, and fuel mitigation based projects.

Duties May Consist Of:

Develop standard operating procedures and conduct an orientation annually
Implement safe operational procedures for all fire and project applications
Maintain all inventories to manage state fixed assets and other equipment
Responsible for assigned state vehicles
Track all activity time and ensure reimbursement
Organize and plan work to be accomplished, set and adjust priorities
Prepare schedules for off-shift periods
Assign work to subordinates based on priorities, consideration on the requirements of assignments, and the capabilities of employees
Manage human resource and human services needs of assigned personnel
Recruit, interview, and assist administration in all aspects of the hiring process to fill out crew ranks
Reward or make recommendations for awards as needed
Discipline or terminate subordinates as needed
Develop performance standards and evaluates work of subordinate
Allow for and produce training opportunities for subordinates
Complete annual performance management contracts or evaluations for full-time and seasonal employees
Participates in and complete annual fire readiness review for agency endorsement and official availability notification
Other duties as assigned

Positions Include:

Fire Warden I
Hotshot Crew – Assistant Superintendent
Initial Attack Crew – Crew Supervisor
Engine – Captain
Fire Equipment Operator

Job Description:
This position is required to fulfill agency and interagency requirements for the establishment and delivery of wildland fighting resource services. Management of a complex fire resource program by integrating numerous employees to form a group or groups of independent resources is required. This is accomplished by serving in a key fire management position that requires extensive experience in wildland fire suppression and personnel management. The position will provide oversight and direction for second level supervisors and other subordinates while maintaining fiscal, personnel, and operational control.

Duties May Consist Of:

Administrative and human resource management functions relative to the staff supervised
Establishing guidelines and performance expectations for subordinate staff members; providing feedback and evaluating employee work performance
Provides advice, counsel, and/or instruction to staff members by recommending or approving appointments, selections, or reassignments to appropriate positions
Recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and terminating of permanent and seasonal employees
Technical or analytical work involving wildland fire suppression, prescribed burning operations, and natural resource-based projects
Determination of resources required for projects, pre-suppression and suppression activities
Plan and assign work to be accomplished; set and adjust priorities and prepare schedules
Ensure proper delivery of all assigned resource services through oversight, guidance, and fiscal accountability
Implementation of program objectives to complete the annual plan of work and delivery criteria
Update annually, the statewide annual operating plan to reflect program changes or updates; pre-season preparedness planning, including preparedness inspections of resources
Involved as an instructor available for local, geographic, and national training sessions
Ensure all assigned resources and personnel adhere to safety standards during all fire and project activities
Conduct staff ride visits with assigned resources to make certain resources are operating to national standards
Involved with budget issues and makes recommendations when necessary
Track and review all revenue documents to guarantee all activities are reimbursed
Develop written proposals for programs
Other duties as assigned

Positions Include:

Fire Warden II
Fire Management Officer – Assistant (AMFO)
Hotshot Crew – Superintendent
Fire Business Specialist (FBS)
Logistics Specialist
Fire Program Specialist(s)
Wildland Urban Interface Specialist (WUI)
Fire Prevention and Education Specialist

Duties May Consist Of:

Administrative and human resource management functions relative to the staff supervised
Establishing guidelines and performance expectations for subordinate staff members; providing feedback and evaluating employee work performance
Provides advice, counsel, and/or instruction to staff members by recommending or approving appointments, selections, or reassignments to appropriate positions
Recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and terminating of permanent and seasonal employees
Technical or analytical work involving wildland fire suppression, prescribed burning operations, and natural resource-based projects
Determination of resources required for projects, pre-suppression and suppression activities
Plan and assign work to be accomplished; set and adjust priorities and prepare schedules
Ensure proper delivery of all assigned resource services through oversight, guidance, and fiscal accountability
Implementation of program objectives to complete the annual plan of work and delivery criteria
Update annually, the statewide annual operating plan to reflect program changes or updates; pre-season preparedness planning, including preparedness inspections of resources
Involved as an instructor available for local, geographic, and national training sessions
Ensure all assigned resources and personnel adhere to safety standards during all fire and project activities
Conduct staff ride visits with assigned resources to make certain resources are operating to national standards
Involved with budget issues and makes recommendations when necessary
Track and review all revenue documents to guarantee all activities are reimbursed
Develop written proposals for programs
Other duties as assigned

For a full description of benefits visit: The State of Utah’s Department of Human Resources Website

Administrative Contacts

Duty Officer

24 Hour Emergency Contact

Active: May-October

(801) 633-2687

Mailing

Wildland Fire Operations Center

3522 South 700 West

South Salt Lake City, UT 84119

Name	Title	Phone	Email	Engine	Type
Trembly, Jesse	Center Manager	385-535-5055	[email protected]		Operations
Deason, Kadell	FMO	385-210-4787	[email protected]		Operations
Thatcher, Kyle	AFMO (Training)	801-232-7157	[email protected]		Operations
Berg, Josh	AFMO (Safety)	385-835-1812	[email protected]		Operations
Branin, Brett	AFMO (Logistics)	385-321-7282	[email protected]		Operations
Haws, Shauna	Financial Analyst	801-707-4802	[email protected]		Operations
Dennison, Nicole	Fire Business / HR	801-300-0292	[email protected]		Operations
Crew Email			[email protected]		Lone Peak Hotshots
Berninger, Christian	Superintendent	801-232-7102	[email protected]		Lone Peak Hotshots
Jarvis, Matthew	Captain	385-505-8482	[email protected]		Lone Peak Hotshots
Ward, Shayne	Captain	385-561-3674	[email protected]		Lone Peak Hotshots
Norris, Kelly	Squad Leader		[email protected]		Lone Peak Hotshots
Ocotlan, Alejandro	Squad Leader		[email protected]		Lone Peak Hotshots
Adams, Jaycob	Lead Crewmember		[email protected]		Lone Peak Hotshots
Mahoney, Jared	Lead Crewmember				Lone Peak Hotshots
Woods, Ken	Senior Crewmember				Lone Peak Hotshots
Randall, Daniel	Senior Crewmember				Lone Peak Hotshots
Crew Email			[email protected]		Alta Hotshots
Carruth, Tyler	Superintendent	385-249-0880	[email protected]		Alta Hotshots
Wilson, Austin	Captain	385-254-8007	[email protected]		Alta Hotshots
Bogdanoff, Bryan	Captain	801-949-5695	[email protected]		Alta Hotshots
Wilson, James	Squad Leader		[email protected]		Alta Hotshots
Esch, Joseph	Squad Leader		[email protected]		Alta Hotshots
Tso, Kevin	Lead Crewmember		[email protected]		Alta Hotshots
Temarantz, Tyler	Lead Crewmember		[email protected]		Alta Hotshots
Ford, Isaiah	Senior Crewmember		[email protected]		Alta Hotshots
Knott, Iain	Senior Crewmember		[email protected]		Alta Hotshots
Kerwin, Qwynton	Senior Crewmember				Alta Hotshots
Crew Email			[email protected]		Twin Peaks
Stilson, Chad	Crew Boss	385-225-4432	[email protected]		Twin Peaks
Brown, Cory	Assistant	801-367-7444	[email protected]		Twin Peaks
Shupe, Christian	Squad Leader		[email protected]		Twin Peaks
Crew Email			[email protected]		Dromedary Peak
Bledsoe, Caleb	Crew Boss		[email protected]		Dromedary Peak
Crew Email			[email protected]		Thunder Mountain
Sundberg, Janik	Crew Boss	385-277-2126	[email protected]		Thunder Mountain
Bowman, JD	Assistant	385-561-8114	[email protected]		Thunder Mountain
Okinishi, Tyrus	Engine Captain	801-865-1863	[email protected]	Engine 491	Lone Peak Engine
VACANT	Assistant Engine Captain			Engine 491	Lone Peak Engine
Ruiz, Luis	Engine Captain	385-254-8010	[email protected]	Engine 492	Lone Peak Engine
VACANT	Assistant Engine Captain			Engine 492	Lone Peak Engine
Raduenz, KiefeR	Engine Captain		[email protected]	Engine 395	Lone Peak Engine
VACANT	Assistant Engine Captain			Engine 395	Lone Peak Engine
VACANT	Engine Captain			Engine 396	Lone Peak Engine
VACANT	Assistant Engine Captain			Engine 396	Lone Peak Engine

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