For wildland firefighters, the Fourth of July isn’t always a vacation
Jul 3, 2025, 5:00 PM
FILE: City of Orem Fire Department Wildland truck at Station 2 on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. (Scott G Winterton/Deseret News)
(Scott G Winterton/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Lots of Utahns began heading out with their families for their Fourth of July destinations on Thursday. But with multiple fires still burning in our state, hundreds of wildland firefighters are not.
Instead, like many first responders and others, they will be on call in case of a fire emergency.
Related: Where to see Fourth of July weekend fireworks, parades and more throughout Utah
Unified Fire Authority Capt. Mike DeGering was a wildland firefighter for 10 years.
“I probably made it to maybe two or three Fourth of Julys over those years,” he said.
“Especially in those instances where you’re in the middle of a family gathering or barbeque. Your phone rings and they say ‘Hey, we need you, it’s time to go.’ That can definitely be tough.”
Pride in the work
Leaving family gatherings, or not even attending them, are difficult choices to have to make, DeGering said. But a few things drive them to work in their field.
“It’s difficult. But we definitely take pride in our work, and in the fact that people are willing to trust us and call us,” he said.
Indeed, when Ipsos asked Americans who they felt were trustworthy, firefighters topped the list. DeGering said firefighters don’t take that for granted, either.
Knowing you have the support of the communities is a huge boost to morale.”
How can you show your appreciation? DeGering said simply feeling supported by the community really helps them through the battle.
Related: Here’s how a BYU graduate’s research is helping to optimize wildfire modeling
“Coming up and saying, ‘thank you.’ Giving a handshake and just chatting for a second, that’s all we could ask,” he said.
Current fires in Utah
At the time of publication, there were more than 1,000 fire personnel working to contain the France Canyon Fire in Garfield County and the Forsyth Fire.
Because Utah participates in interstate fire compacts, firefighters may be called away to fight fires in other states, as was the case recently in Los Angeles.
