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LAKETOWN, Rich County — About 80 firefighters from throughout northern Utah are training this weekend near Bear Lake, preparing for the upcoming wildfire season.
"Within the next week or two, we're really gonna start breaking out everywhere," said Alex Pommier, a firefighter with the Department of Natural Resources.
While wildfires can behave unpredictably, Pommier says many aspects are always the same.
"Water stays the same, your engine always works the same, the wind is always gonna blow," Pommier said.
The two-day major training event is funded through the Utah Division of State Lands, Fire and Forestry, costing around $10,000. Fire agencies from Weber, Cache, Box Elder and Rich counties are taking part, along with the Bureau of Land Management.
"We always look at it as we're going to prepare for the worst fire season every spring," said Capt. Richard Cooper with the Weber Fire District. "Then we just hope for the best throughout the season."
Firefighters involved in the training range from brand-new rookies to seasoned veterans. In addition to honing their skills, a number of drills help them test their equipment and make sure it's also ready for the next wildfire.
"It's nice to put your gear back on, make sure everything fits right," Pommier said.
Throughout the Western United States, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an average wildfire season. Cooper however says conditions in Utah right now vary widely.
We always look at it as we're going to prepare for the worst fire season every spring. Then we just hope for the best throughout the season.
–Capt. Richard Cooper, Weber Fire District
"We had a cool, wet spring," Cooper said. "Our fire fuels, our grasses have grown quite a bit, and those grasses are annuals, so those could pose a problem for us."
In addition, he says drought-like conditions in southern Utah have already led to some dry brush. He also points out that some elements are simply impossible to predict.
"One thing they don't anticipate is the human element," Cooper said.
He warns that everyone needs to do their part in avoiding accidental fires.
