City emergency manager Casey presented an after‑action report Thursday on the August wildfire that affected North Ogden (the incident is recorded in incident systems as the Willow Creek fire). The council voted unanimously to accept the report and the recommended corrective actions.

Key facts from the report: the fire ignited August 13 and was contained and declared out on August 22; it burned about 577 acres and prompted evacuation of more than 100 homes. City staff said no structures were lost and there were two reported injuries, both believed to be firefighter injuries. Staff described the origin as a vehicle fire that spread to the hillside.

The response involved a unified command structure (local fire agencies and a northern Utah Type‑3 incident management team), air assets (three helicopters), public‑works support and private contractor equipment staged to help cut fire breaks. The city worked with Weber County Emergency Management and the American Red Cross to open an evacuation shelter at Weber High School. Staff credited the incident response to strong leadership, effective early resource staging and well‑trained personnel, and thanked local businesses and organizations that supplied food, water and other support during the incident.

Challenges and recommended corrective actions: staff identified communication and coordination gaps during the incident, including limited cellular service in the affected area and constrained social‑media account access. The report recommends:
- improving integration and joint training between city staff and fire personnel;
- expanding official social‑media access for rapid public updates;
- pursuing priority cellular service options (FirstNet or equivalent) for city phones and public‑safety staff;
- developing memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with contractors for equipment staging and traffic control to avoid procurement delays and price surges in emergencies;
- implementing annual emergency response training for elected officials to clarify roles and communications during incidents.

Staff also flagged post‑fire risks, especially localized flood or landslide hazards on parts of the burn scar; public works will monitor slopes in the most‑exposed areas (staff identified Mason Cove/nearby slopes as the area of greatest concern) over the next 6–9 months.

Council discussion touched on cellular network coverage on the hills and the possibility of seeking improved service from carriers. Council members suggested outreach to major cellular providers and consideration of FirstNet access for city elected officials and key staff. Staff said Verizon and other carriers have considered small cell or antenna deployments in the past and that a tower at the equestrian park is moving forward but that broader coverage will require multiple sites.

Council accepted the after action report on a roll‑call vote. Staff will pursue the corrective actions, report back on progress and monitor post‑fire terrain for flood and landslide risks.

Sources: presentation and Q&A by city emergency manager Casey and related staff remarks, Oct. 14, 2025 council meeting transcript.