The Big Picture
Utah’s wildfire season is putting communities across the state on high alert — including areas along the Wasatch Front and near the University of Utah. Recent fires have served as a reminder that wildfire preparedness is not just about protecting property. It is also about protecting lives, reducing the risk of serious burn injuries and helping families know what to do before an emergency happens.
University of Utah Health and the Salt Lake City Fire Department are working together to help Utahns better understand how to prepare for wildfire threats, how emergency and healthcare teams respond and what steps families can take now to stay safer.
What’s Happening
Recent wildfires near the University of Utah campus brought the threat of fire close to patients, caregivers and first responders. Leaders at University of Utah Health say the situation reinforced the importance of planning, training and coordinated emergency response.
“The fire did not catch us off guard,” said Phil Chaffee, associate executive director of emergency management at University of Utah Health. “We prepare for this. We train for this.”
That preparation includes close coordination with community partners, first responders and medical teams who may be called on to care for patients during and after a wildfire event. Dr. Callie Thompson, a burn and trauma surgeon at University of Utah Health, said teams spend significant time preparing staff, supporting one another and working with community partners so they are ready when emergencies happen.
For patients at the U of U Health Burn Center, the recent fires were especially personal. Dr. Giavonni Lewis, medical director of the Burn Center, said patients could see and smell the fire, creating added stress and trauma for people already recovering from serious injuries.
Why It Matters
Wildfire preparedness can make a significant difference in how safely families respond during an emergency. Medical experts say one of the most common times people are injured — outside of first responders — is during evacuation.
That makes it critical for residents to follow evacuation orders and listen carefully to instructions from emergency personnel. Families should also prepare in advance by creating household emergency plans, gathering preparedness supplies and considering items such as 96-hour kits.
Fire prevention also plays an important role. Chief Robert Silverthorne of the Salt Lake City Fire Department encouraged Utahns to think carefully about activities that increase fire risk, including fireworks during periods of elevated wildfire danger. Even when fireworks are allowed, choosing a safer alternative can help protect communities.
The Bottom Line
Utah’s wildfire risk is real, and preparation matters. Recent fires along the Wasatch Front have shown how quickly wildfire threats can affect neighborhoods, hospitals, patients and first responders.
By planning ahead, following evacuation instructions, reducing fire risks and working together with emergency and healthcare partners, Utahns can help protect their families and communities from life-changing injuries.