Red Cross, Cache County hold wildfire shelter simulation

NORTH LOGAN, Utah (ABC4) — As wildfire season continues in Utah, members of the American Red Cross of Utah held a simulation to prepare for the worst case scenario.

The Red Cross, along with Cache County Emergency Management and North Logan CERT held a training session on Saturday to simulate setting up a full scale wildfire shelter.

Held at the Hansen Family Sports Complex, the exercise comprised of volunteers practicing to open and close an emergency shelter, as well as coordinating with partners to provide meals for those in the shelter in the event of an emergency.

“The training is critical to ensuring we’re ready to respond when a wildfire or other disaster strikes in Utah,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross northern Utah chapter.

The simulation comes as wildfires continue to burn across the state and the West, with the Monroe Canyon Fire at 9,000 acres and the Deer Creek Fire at 16,000 acres as of Sunday morning.

“Wildfires like the Monroe Canyon Fire and Deer Creek Fire remind us of the importance of being trained, prepared and ready to act quickly,” Smauldon said.