Utah Fire Information
The BLM Utah Fire and Aviation Management Program is responsible for fire suppression, hazardous fuels reduction projects, fostering fire-adapted and resilient communities, training local fire departments, providing excess equipment to cooperators, and fire rehabilitation on nearly 23 million acres of public lands in Utah. Each year, Utah averages over 1,100 wildfires that collectively burn more than 160,000 acres. Our mission is to provide safe and effective firefighting to protect Utah's communities and landscapes.
Program Performance & Reports
Want to see the data behind the season? Explore our annual reports to see how suppression strategies and proactive fuels treatments shaped fire behavior over the last year
2023 Annual Report (9.7 MB):
Following a record snowpack and a 25% increase in summer rainfall, Utah experienced one of the least active fire seasons in recorded history
2024 Annual Report (11.8 MB):
Quick and effective response capabilities kept the total acres burned well below the five-year average, even as Utah experienced more individual fire starts than typical
2025 Annual Report (9.7 MB):
Despite the state facing its highest fire activity since 2020, BLM-managed lands remained notably safe, accounting for only 8% of Utah's total acres burned this year
Program Organization
The Utah Fire and Aviation Management Program is organized into three geographic zones: the West Desert District Fire Program, the Desert Rivers Fire Management Unit, and the Color Country and Paria River Fire Management Unit. Each zone is supported by dedicated fire and aviation staff, with statewide program coordination and oversight based in the BLM Utah State Office in Salt Lake City.
Fire Positions
Firefighting is an exciting career! Interested in applying for a firefighting position? Applications for summer seasonal work are accepted typically in November-January. See our current vacancies below. You can find current fire positions using the drop down menu below or checking USAJOBS, the official Federal Government's employment site.
Search Tips:
- If you know the announcement number of the vacancy you want to apply to, enter it in the Keyword Search box then select the Search button.
- USAJOBS also provides an opportunity to choose criteria to find the types of jobs you are interested in and will notify you with an email when that type of job is open and accepting applications. When you are logged into My Account on USAJOBS, select Saved Searches.
Note: Always verify the closing dates in the USAJOBS announcement.
- FUELS & PREVENTION POSITIONS
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- SUPPRESSION & PREPAREDNESS POSITIONS
Wildland Firefighter (Apprentice)
Announcement Number: WFSDHA-26-12893077-BM
Position Information: Serves as a trained wildland firefighter on an engine, hand crew, or prescribed fire crew. Performs suppression and management functions, including line construction, hose layout, pump operations, and mop-up. Participants complete 3,000 hours of paid work experience, attend a Wildland Fire Training Academy, and receive specialized training in fire behavior and safety to develop journey-level status and leadership skills.
Appointment Type: Permanent seasonal. You will be in pay status for at least 6 months; but less than 12 months in a calendar year. When work/funds are unavailable, you will be placed in non-pay status.
Location(s): Moab, Monticello, Price, & Vernal
Pay Scale & Grade: GW-0456-3/4/5
Open Period: 2/19/2026 – 3/05/2026
Announcement Number: WFS-FIRE-2026-006-DHA
Position Information: Serves as an entry-level wildland firefighter on an engine crew. Duties include developing a working knowledge of fire suppression and fuels management techniques, practices, and terminology. May assist in specialized assignments such as backfire and burnout operations, as well as mobile and stationary engine attacks.
Appointment Type: Temporary. These positions will not exceed 1,039 hours in a service year (extendable up to 1,560 hours dependent on agency authority) and do not convey permanent status.
Location(s): Richfield
Pay Scale & Grade: GW-0456-3
Open Period: 2/27/2026 – 3/05/2026
- DISPATCH POSITIONS
Forestry Technician (Fire Dispatch)
Announcement Number: WFSDHA-26-12890920-CGR2
Position Information: Receives fire reports and determines location and land status to dispatch personnel, equipment, aircraft, and supplies. Maintains resource status and tracking systems, inputs data into fire-related computer applications, and monitors radio communications and conversation logs. Gathers data for briefings and provides critical information to supervisors and fire management personnel.
Appointment Type: Permanent seasonal. You will be in pay status for at least 6 months; but less than 12 months in a calendar year. When work/funds are unavailable, you will be placed in non-pay status.
Location(s): Draper, Price, & Vernal
Pay Scale & Grade: GW-0462-4/5
Open Period: 2/19/2026 – 3/05/2026
- ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS
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- LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
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- AVIATION POSITIONS
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- STUDENT TRAINEES
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Contact Us: [email protected]