UTAH STATE FIRE PREVENTION BOARD
Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2025
PENDING APPROVAL
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
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Coy Porter, Board Chair
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Joey Mittelman
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Chris Dawson, Vice Chair
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Lloyd Owens (for Brett Ostler)
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Coty Chadburn
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Mike Owens
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Joseph Decker
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Patrick Tomasino
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Mike Leishman
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Russ Young
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BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Chris Kimball
STAFF PRESENT
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Ted Black, State Fire Marshal
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Jim Barnett
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Sheri Stevens
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Jon Ritchie, Chief Deputy
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Shane Cook
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Michael Young
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Marcus Yockey, Asst Attorney General
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Cory Feese
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Jana DeMille, Board Secretary
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Venice Kekauoha
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OTHERS
Members of the public and the fire service attended this meeting. The attendance log is kept with the full record of the meeting.
Item #1, Board meeting called to order by Board Chair Coy Porter. The meeting started at 8:30 A.M., over Google Meet and at the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Board Member Roll Call – quorum present.
Item #2, Approval of the March 11, 2025 board meeting minutes (no meeting held in May 2025). Motion made by Chris Dawson to approve the minutes; seconded by Russ Young. Motion carried.
Item #3, Report to the Board by Chief Scott Spencer, Chair, Utah Fire Service Certification Council.
Chief Spencer reported on the May 21st meeting, highlighting the successful re-accreditation of Davis Technical College and an overview of skills testing from January to March, totaling 693 tests with an additional 1514 re-certifications. Spencer also noted common issues in failed skills tests, particularly incorrect fire flow calculations, and mentioned ongoing efforts to improve instructor training to address these challenges. Additionally, he shared that free Friday testing at UFRA is gaining popularity and he discussed a positive live fire site visit at South Technical College, where collaboration efforts are underway to help improve their newer program.
Chief Spencer reported that the Certification Council continues to receive portfolios for Officer 2 and Officer 4 certifications, indicating firefighters are actively pursuing advanced levels. Spencer also noted the approval for department testers to assist nearby departments, which will alleviate travel burdens for rural areas. He also emphasized the reinforcement of the tester uniform policy, requiring UFRA polo shirts and khaki pants to maintain professionalism during site visits.
Chief Spencer commended Sarah Head and her team for their work on the Pro Board and IFSAC re-accreditation visits, which involved updating skill levels to meet NFPA requirements and ensure third-party verification.
Item #4, Report to the Board by Marc McElreath, Utah Fire and Rescue Academy (for Bradley Wardle).
Marc McElreath provided an update on staffing, noting three open positions due to retirements, with plans to fill them by September. Mr. McElreath also reported that the ARF program is progressing, with the first pilot class scheduled for August in Cedar City, and a light/air truck purchase is underway for use at the Winter Fire School in January 2026. Winter Fire School is January 23 & 24, with registration opening around November 3. They are still collecting information for the cancer initiative. Mr. McElreath encouraged all departments to return the requested roster information.
Item #5, Legislative update, Ted Black, Utah State Fire Marshal.
Fire Marshall Black provided a legislative update, we may see some legislative updates on CO2 systems to grant the Fire Prevention Board more regulatory authority, and legislation to correct language for bi-directional antenna systems in existing school buildings. Mr. Black also mentioned the upcoming fire code adoption and potential legislation to update the wildland urban interface code.
Item #6, Recent NERIS training and information, Ted Black, Utah State Fire Marshal.
Onboarding to the NERIS system continues. Two Utah departments are already onboarding, with the rest to follow by end of November. The SFMO will be housing the previous 10 years of NFIRS data. FM Black emphasized the importance of improving data quality. The data has long-term effects, with one example being how insufficient reporting has impacted the cancer initiative.
Board Chair Coy Porter asked that Lloyd Evans provide an update on the current wildland fire situation. Mr. Evans noted an average to high fire year due to heat and low moisture, with successful containment of most fires to a small size, except for three large incidents in the south. The severity remains high across the state, with crews, engines, and water tenders still deployed.
Item #7, Old Business: None
Item #8, New Business: None
Item #9, Public Comment (limited to 2 minutes): None
Item #10, Approval by the Board to conduct the September 9, 2025 Fire Prevention Board meeting virtually and in person. Motion made by Mike Owens and seconded by Chris Dawson. Motion carried.
Item #11, Next Board Meeting is September 9, 2025, at 8:30 am, at the State Fire Marshal’s office, 410 West 9800 South, Suite 372, Sandy, Utah.
Motion to adjourn made by Joey Mittelman.
Portions of the minutes may have been generated with the assistance of AI. Its use is generally to personalize or proofread content. If errors or inaccuracies are found, please contact [email protected].