U.S. Forest Service outlines spring prescribed‑fire staffing and targets for Daggett County zone

Representatives from the U.S. Forest Service briefed the Daggett County Commission on staffing and spring prescribed‑fire plans, emphasizing multiple burn units, staffing levels and coordination with local campgrounds and communities.

"My name is Rich Howe. I'm the fire management officer for the East Zone on the Ashley National Forest," Rich Howe said, introducing the team and highlighting the role of education and prevention staff. He said the zone currently staffs two engines (a Type 4 and a Type 6), an IA module nearing full staffing and additional crews in other regions. Spencer Prophet was identified as the field specialist who will oversee many of the prescribed‑fire projects on the ground.

Howe said the service is looking at several units and will prioritize opportunities that avoid displacing visitors; where campgrounds are reserved, crews aim to perform burns before reservations start. "Mid May is probably the place that we'll look at those ones," he said when discussing areas near campgrounds. Commissioners asked about project boundaries, NEPA timing and coordination with adjacent Wasatch projects; USFS staff said many projects remain in planning and NEPA scoping and that some work is awaiting resolution of litigation in other locations.

USFS staff said they will distribute public service announcements and outreach information before burns and provided contact names for follow-up. Commissioners thanked the Forest Service for its partnership and for prior work in containing recent fires.

Next step: USFS to provide further scheduling details and public outreach plans as conditions and NEPA timing permit.