WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — A team of 45 Utah firefighters is traveling to northern California to swap crews and provide support. The firefighters gathered at the Maverick Center on Wednesday morning before departing.
Unified Fire Authority Assistant Chief Riley Pilgrim explained that swapping crews with neighboring states is a smart strategy that benefits everyone. “There’s constant collaboration to ensure that no area is left short of resources,” Pilgrim said.
Crew swapping is a common practice for Utah firefighters, especially during peak fire season. Pilgrim noted that this system ensures resources are shared effectively and that the support is mutual.
“We manage resources at the state level, not just locally, to ensure Utah’s needs are met before sending help elsewhere,” Pilgrim added.
The new crew will replace firefighters who have been on the front lines for the past two weeks. Pilgrim assured that if Utah needs them back, the team can be recalled.
“We review every situation to make sure we’re not running low on resources,” Pilgrim said. Currently, Utah and neighboring states are facing high wildfire risks. Careful resource management and coordination with neighboring states benefit everyone involved.
Firefighting crews are rotated every two weeks to allow for rest and recovery.
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