Summit County honored for top firefighting support and prevention in Utah

From right to left: Wade Snyder(Deputy FMO, FFSL), Brianne Emery (FFSL), Jamie Barnes (DirectorState Forester, FFSL), Brett Ostler (State FMO, FFSL), Shayne Scott (Summit County Manager), Bryce Boyer (Summit County Fire Warden), Kathryn McMullin (Summit Co.), Ryan LaFontaine (NE Area FMO) Photo: Utah Forestry, Fire & State Lands // Facebook

SALT LAKE CITY —The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands has recognized Summit County as its 2024 Cooperator of the Year for exceptional firefighting support and prevention efforts.

“Summit County was nominated as Cooperator of the year by FFSL for their support and assistance on various wildland fires throughout Summit and Wasatch Counties,” said Ryan LaFontaine, NE Area Fire Management Officer. “The fast response of the fire departments and County resources to rapidly growing fires helped minimize the impact to life and property that were immediately threatened.”

County officials played a vital role in containing several wildfires, including the Dikker Hill Fire and Yellow Lake Fire, providing both heavy equipment and incident command leadership. LaFontaine specifically noted the county’s assistance during the Yellow Lake fire in Wasatch County, where they provided crucial dozer support and staff resources.

The county’s contributions extended beyond emergency response to include significant fuel reduction projects and wildfire prevention initiatives. The recognition encompasses not only Summit County’s government resources but also the dedicated fire departments within the county.

“The County and Fire Departments are always willing to lend a hand when and where they can and have been great partners with the State,” LaFontaine said.