About the Lone Peak Hotshots

The Lone Peak Hotshots are a nationally recognized Type 1 Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC), based out of the Wildland Fire Operations Center (Ops Center), in South Salt Lake, Utah. The crew is hosted and sponsored by the Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands (FFSL).

Season Overview

Each year, Lone Peak’s season starts with two weeks of critical training from mid-April to the beginning of May. After completing at least 80 hours of critical training and a complex base review, the crew will go available for national dispatch around May 1st. Lone Peak is unique in the fact that they must be available nationally for dispatch 180 days each year and seasonal employees may work up to 12 months each season. This can lead to a long wildfire season where overtime hours exceeding 1,200/season are common.

Crew Dynamics

Wildland fire suppression is the number one priority of the Lone Peak Hotshots. However, when the fire season is slow, the crew will assist with fuels reduction and other natural resources based projects commonly referred to as “project work”. This additional work allows the crew to remain in top operating and physical condition.

The crew consists of 24 people, divided into two squads, following a chain of command. With the Superintendent in charge, each squad has its respective captain, squad boss, and lead firefighter, with two saw teams and four crew members filling out the ranks.

The Lone Peak Hotshots are an integral part of a large number of wildland firefighting resources operating out of the Ops Center. With another hotshot crew, two T2IA handcrews, a fuels crew, two, Type 3 engines, and two Type 4 engines, there are many cross-training opportunities available. In addition to internal opportunities, the Ops Center maintains working relationships with many external organizations where further experience and training can be gained. Throughout the season, the crew may send and receive members in a continuous effort to increase qualifications.

History

The Lone Peak Hotshots occupy a unique position within the wildland firefighting community as one of only three non-federal Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHC) in the United States. The program holds the distinction of being the nation’s first all-civilian, state-sponsored IHC.

The program originated in 1978 as an inmate wildland fire crew. During this inaugural period, the group was known as the “Flame-in-Go’s,” a title derived from the crew’s operational philosophy: “If there are flames, we’ll go.” By 1991, the crew’s consistent performance and high productivity earned them Regional Hotshot Crew (RHC) status. Their work ethic and agility in the rugged terrain of the Wasatch Front eventually led to the nickname “Flame-in-Goats,” a reference to the stamina and mobility of the mountain goats indigenous to the local mountain range.

In 2001, the program underwent a significant structural change, transitioning into a fully civilian crew. At this time, the unit officially adopted the name Lone Peak, drawing inspiration from the 11,253-foot summit that overlooked their home base. In homage to the “Flame-in-Goats” nickname, the mountain goat was designated as the official crew symbol. It serves as a permanent reminder of the program’s origins and the rigorous standards of excellence established by the previous generation of Hotshots.

Today, Lone Peak is a well regarded and professionally respected resource in the fire community. If you have any questions for the Lone Peak Hotshots, please feel free to contact us at any time at LonePeakHotshots@utah.gov

Superintendents of the Lone Peak Hotshots:

• Christian Berninger: 2019 – Present

• Darren O’Loughlin: 2016 – 2018

• Kris Bruington: 2011 – 2015

• Donny Bennett: 2010

• Mathew Armantrout: 2006 – 2009

• Joel Butcher: 2005

• Scott Bovey: 2001-2004 (Inaugural season(s) of Lone Peak Hotshots)

• Scott Bovey: 2000 (Flame-in-Go Hotshots)

• Gary Peck: 1994- 1999 (Flame-in-Go Hotshots)

• Tracy Dunford: 1989 – 1993 (Flame-in-Go Hotshots)