Thunder Mountain Fuels

About

Thunder Mountain is a Fire Suppression and fuels reduction hand crew based out of the Lone Peak Conservation Center (LPCC) in Draper, Utah. The crew is hosted and sponsored by the Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands (FFSL).

Thunder Mountain Fire/ Fuels Crew consists of 5 permanent career fire technicians and 30 seasonal crew members that conducts fuels reduction work and responds to wildfires within the state of Utah. Having 20 personnel committed as a local type 2 Handcrew and a 10 person fuels module allows the crew to be fluid within the state of Utah in covering more areas with a high demand and constant need for fuels reduction work as well as responding to the demands of wildfire.

With Thunder Mountain’s inception in 2023 the crew has been laying the foundation for entry level wildland firefighters and fulfilling the needs and vacancies of the other resources within the Lone Peak Conservation. Performance and ability will dictate whether personnel are selected to detail with the Lone Peak Hotshots, Alta Hotshots, Twin Peaks Handcrew, Dromedary Peak Handcrew, and the Lone Peak Engines. This program is an excellent opportunity for entry level wildland firefighters to gain experience and knowledge to explore opportunities within the career of fuels work and wildland firefighting.

Established in 2023, the crew was named after a mountain ridge on the Wasatch front just behind the iconic peak in the Salt Lake Valley where the name Lone Peak Conservation Center derives from. The program began as a way to provide the State of Utah with a fuels reduction crew to utilize consistently as the demand for our wildland fire resources increases every year. The module originally started with 10 people, but due to the need for the other LPCC resources and the success of the 2023 season, Thunder Mountain has expanded in 2024 to a 24-person crew consisting of two 12-person modules.

Mission Statement & Core Values

Mission
We aim to be a reliable force in the relentless pursuit of wildfire prevention, preparedness, and suppression. We will continue to build the reputation of Thunder Mountain Fire/ Fuels Crew through rigorous training, and a commitment to excellence. Our mission is to safeguard lives, property, and natural resources ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for the ecosystems and landscapes we serve. Our crew will foster a culture of safety, collaboration, and environmental stewardship.

Vision
The vision of Thunder Mountain Fire and Fuels Crew is to be the premier training ground for entry-level firefighters in Utah, providing them with the expertise and experience to progress within the fire community. We are dedicated to not only safeguarding Utah’s natural resources but also enhancing them through proactive fuels reduction efforts and sustainable fire management practices. Through our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement, we aim to cultivate a team of highly skilled professionals who are passionate about preserving Utah’s landscapes for future generations


Values
Respect | Integrity | Teamwork | Safety | Pride | Cultivation

  • Respect: We treat each other, our partners, and the environment with dignity and consideration, fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding.
  • Integrity: We conduct ourselves with honesty, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of our work, ensuring the highest ethical standards are maintained.
  • Teamwork: We value collaboration, communication, and cooperation, recognizing that our collective efforts are essential for achieving our goals and overcoming challenges.
  • Safety: We prioritize the safety and well-being of our team members and the public, implementing rigorous safety protocols and practices to mitigate risks.
  • Pride: We take pride in our work, our professionalism, and our contributions to wildfire management and ecosystem preservation, striving for excellence in everything we do.
  • Cultivation: We are committed to cultivating the next generation of firefighters, providing mentorship, training, and opportunities for personal and professional growth to ensure a legacy of excellence within the wildland firefighting industry.

Contacts

NameTitlePhoneEmail
Trembly, JesseCenter Manager385-535-5055[email protected]Operations
Deason, KadellFMO385-210-4787[email protected]Operations
Thatcher, KyleAFMO (Training)801-232-7157[email protected]Operations
Berg, JoshAFMO (Safety)385-835-1812[email protected]Operations
Branin, BrettAFMO (Logistics)385-321-7282[email protected]Operations
Haws, ShaunaFinancial Analyst801-707-4802[email protected]Operations
Dennison, NicoleFire Business / HR801-300-0292[email protected]Operations
Crew Email[email protected]Lone Peak Hotshots
Berninger, ChristianSuperintendent801-232-7102[email protected]Lone Peak Hotshots
Jarvis, MatthewCaptain385-505-8482[email protected]Lone Peak Hotshots
Ward, ShayneCaptain385-561-3674[email protected]Lone Peak Hotshots
Norris, KellySquad Leader[email protected]Lone Peak Hotshots
Ocotlan, AlejandroSquad Leader[email protected]Lone Peak Hotshots
Adams, JaycobLead Crewmember[email protected]Lone Peak Hotshots
Mahoney, JaredLead CrewmemberLone Peak Hotshots
Woods, KenSenior CrewmemberLone Peak Hotshots
Randall, DanielSenior CrewmemberLone Peak Hotshots
Crew Email[email protected]Alta Hotshots
Carruth, TylerSuperintendent385-249-0880[email protected]Alta Hotshots
Wilson, AustinCaptain385-254-8007[email protected]Alta Hotshots
Bogdanoff, BryanCaptain801-949-5695[email protected]Alta Hotshots
Wilson, JamesSquad Leader[email protected]Alta Hotshots
Esch, JosephSquad Leader[email protected]Alta Hotshots
Tso, KevinLead Crewmember[email protected]Alta Hotshots
Temarantz, TylerLead Crewmember[email protected]Alta Hotshots
Ford, IsaiahSenior Crewmember[email protected]Alta Hotshots
Knott, IainSenior Crewmember[email protected]Alta Hotshots
Kerwin, QwyntonSenior CrewmemberAlta Hotshots
Crew Email[email protected]Twin Peaks
Stilson, ChadCrew Boss385-225-4432[email protected]Twin Peaks
Brown, CoryAssistant801-367-7444[email protected]Twin Peaks
Shupe, ChristianSquad Leader[email protected]Twin Peaks
Crew Email[email protected]Dromedary Peak
Bledsoe, CalebCrew Boss[email protected]Dromedary Peak
Crew Email[email protected]Thunder Mountain
Sundberg, JanikCrew Boss385-277-2126[email protected]Thunder Mountain
Bowman, JDAssistant385-561-8114[email protected]Thunder Mountain
Okinishi, TyrusEngine Captain801-865-1863[email protected]Engine 491Lone Peak Engine
VACANTAssistant Engine CaptainEngine 491Lone Peak Engine
Ruiz, LuisEngine Captain385-254-8010[email protected]Engine 492Lone Peak Engine
VACANTAssistant Engine CaptainEngine 492Lone Peak Engine
Raduenz, KiefeREngine Captain[email protected]Engine 395Lone Peak Engine
VACANTAssistant Engine CaptainEngine 395Lone Peak Engine
VACANTEngine CaptainEngine 396Lone Peak Engine
VACANTAssistant Engine CaptainEngine 396Lone Peak Engine

Become a Wildland Firefighter

Interested in becoming a wildland firefighter or working for the state of Utah? Visit our jobs page to see what positions are available.