- Firefighter Kyle Allred, injured in the East Ute Plaza Fire, is back home recovering.
- Allred suffered 7% burns requiring surgeries; he is now receiving home care.
- A fundraiser on May 2 will assist with Allred's medical expenses in Tridell.
FORT DUCHESNE, Uintah County — A firefighter injured while battling the human-caused East Ute Plaza Fire last month is making progress in his recovery.
Kyle Allred was among the crews on the front line, working to keep the fire from spreading to homes in the area, when he sustained significant burns during response efforts, said Lapoint-Tridell Fire Chief Tyler McKee.
Allred was taken to the University of Utah Health Burn Center for treatment.
"Kyle had second- and third-degree burns that required a few surgeries to get those taken care of," McKee said.
Allred was recently released from the burn center and is home, where his recovery continues with support from home health care.
"The entire (Lapoint-Tridell Fire Department) family is grateful for the continued support from our community and fellow first responders," the department posted to Facebook on Thursday.
Allred is the department's training officer, and his absence has been felt over the past month, according to McKee.
"Some people (it) affected mentally just a little bit; and definitely it's affected all of us," he said.
The incident has helped the department reemphasize the importance of keeping crews safe. "Sometimes, when things happen like this. We reevaluate and reassure that our safety practices are put into place all the time," the chief said.
The East Ute Plaza Fire broke out on March 17 just east of Fort Duchesne, near the intersection of U.S. 40 and 7500 East. Smoke from the fire caused limited visibility for drivers due to the winds in the area. While the fire was believed to be human-caused, the investigation remains ongoing.
The lack of moisture during the winter has created just the right conditions for what could be a busy wildfire season.
A week after the East Ute Plaza Fire, the Lapoint-Tridell Fire Department battled a small wildland fire near the same area, which burned approximately ¾ of an acre. Crews fought at least two additional fires that same week.
"We've had an abnormally high call volume this spring so far," McKee told KSL.
It's five months into 2026, and Utah Fire Info reports there have been 111 wildfires, 93 of which were caused by humans.
As other fire officials have already stressed, McKee said with dry conditions, the public is encouraged to be fire-wise and recreate safely.
"We want people to have fun, but we also want people to be safe," he said. "And that not only affects everybody and their safety — but also those that are trying to put a handle or a grip on those fires that get out of control."
As for Allred, a cornhole fundraiser will be held in the community of Tridell on Saturday, May 2, to help his family cover medical expenses. A Facebook page* was created with information about the event and how to donate.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited into the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
