SALT LAKE — A third Utah fire task force has been deployed to help mitigate wildfires in the Midwest.

Two Utah fire task forces were sent to Texas on Wednesday last week due to dry conditions and gusty winds. Members of those task forces have already been put to work, protecting two communities by helping control a 6,300-acre fire in 60-70 mph winds.

After arriving in Texas last week, the task force out of Northern Utah assisted on a 6,300-acre fire. The crew reported that the wind was gusting 60-70 mph, which created erratic fire behavior. They helped stop the fire’s forward progression and protected two communities. pic.twitter.com/QA7WFkJLiL

— Utah FFSL (@UtahFFSL) March 17, 2025

Now, a third Utah fire task force is traveling to Kansas after the state sent out a call for help.

“With the high winds that they’re expecting and the above normal high temperatures, Kansas felt the need to request some additional resources and Utah was willing to respond to that request,” said Karl Hunt, public affairs officer with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands.

Utah has deployed a third task force to assist in Kansas on a severity assignment. Red Flag Warnings have been issued today. The crew will be assigned to McPherson, KS. Safe travels and good luck! 🌟🚒 #WildfireResponse #Teamwork pic.twitter.com/lYFNOeB6rs

— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) March 17, 2025

This group is being sent on a severity assignment, where they will supplement local resources.

Utah has deployed a third task force to assist in Kansas on a severity assignment. Red Flag Warnings The crew will be assigned to McPherson, KS. (Utah Fire Info)

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“They are there to help assist and backfill some of the wildlife firefighting resources [in Kansas] because they know they’re going to be spread thin based on what the conditions are going to be,” said Hunt.

Utah still safe despite sharing task force resources

Sending three Utah fire task forces out of the state does reduce local resources. But not enough to become a problem.

“With the storm systems we’ve had coming in we were able to look at some of the northern Utah resources, and that’s why we decided, ‘you know what, we have the opportunity to send Kansas some help. So let’s do that,’” said Hunt. “We’re not going to send out resources and leave Utah vulnerable.”

Members of the Utah division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands always look at Utah’s resources, weather conditions, and fire risk before deploying a task force elsewhere.

However, Utah will help other states if possible.

“We’re always willing to help because these states also help when we’re in need,” Hunt said. “I view it as a way for us to show good Utah values. That when our neighbors are in need, we’re willing to send help to help them out.”

The Utah fire task force is expected to be deployed in Kansas for 14 days.

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