Wasatch County fire chief reports 17% rise in calls, outlines station construction and donated Hideout site

The Fire Chief told the Wasatch County Fire Protection Special Service District board on Jan. 9 that the district handled about 3,500 calls last year, an increase of roughly 17% from just over 3,000 in 2022.

"We ended the year, and we're still finalizing numbers, and fixing everything, but we're at about 3,500 calls last year," the chief said, noting increases in both fire and emergency medical service calls.

The chief gave a construction update for the new station: footings and foundations for the living quarters and apparatus bay have been poured, sub-rough plumbing was scheduled to begin, and the contractor planned to start vertical work in February. The district estimated completion around March 1, 2025.

The board discussed access and road work related to the site. The chief said the district has separated road costs and plans to bill Heber City for its share, and that the station's primary egress will be onto 12 South while a separate road will serve public access to the community room and administrative offices. He also said the district will request signage to prevent parking from blocking station egress.

On another front, the chief said Hideout town offered an alternate temporary site that lacked necessary infrastructure. A developer has offered to donate a finished parcel with utilities already in place; the donation would allow the district to locate a heated temporary structure and apparatus parking there while approvals for a permanent site proceed. The chief described the arrangement as speeding the districts presence on the lakes east side.

The chief also reported that a contract with Canvas Fire began Jan. 1 and that district staff have been coordinating with Canvas Fire and South Summit Fire District crews. "So far, it's going really well," he said, adding that Canvas Fire has been on only a handful of calls since the transition.

Board members asked about an apparent recent Sky Ridge fire; the chief said investigators had not yet determined a cause and that insurance payouts hinge on ruling out arson.

The chief announced personnel changes: Kristen will move from administration to a full-time EMT role in operations, Cali will transition into administrative duties, and the district has posted for a new administrative assistant to support the transition.

Finally, the chief summarized an advisory commission meeting in which divisional reports were given and said the district will use 2024 to update a five-year strategic plan originally developed in 2019, with advisory input and a suggested SWOT analysis to set goals for the next five years.

The board took no formal action on the construction schedule, Hideout site donation, or staffing changes during the meeting; items were presented for information and planning.