Fire Danger

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  August 11, 2021.  Dan Ames, Rich County Fire Warden and Dusty Richards, Bear River Area Wildland Fire Management,  told the County Commissioners that there have been six fires that have only burned 3 ½ acres.  One was a lightning strike but because of a quick alert, they were able to get on it rapidly before it took off.

Ames said that the county moisture is at the lowest level it has ever been, he said that the County levels are 20% dryer than the County has been in the driest year.

They work with the three local fire departments and give each department $400 a year for their participation. 

Richards said that it is getting harder to hire qualified people.  They have had two openings for wardens, one for Cache County and one for Box Elder County.  They publicized the jobs nationally for over a month and only two people applied.   Wages are under the market value, the Bear River Area wardens start at $17 an hour and it is not competitive, according to a study completed with surrounding states and local municipalities.

Richards asked if the county would approve a raise for the two Rich County fire people.  They will redo the budget January 1 for 2022, but since HB 65 made an increase retroactive, the warden’s budget would need about $ 3500 extra for the period from July to January. Commissioners agreed