As of July 23, 2026, Brett Pierson serves as Fire Chief for the Kanab City Fire Department. In this capacity, Pierson works alongside other city officials to manage local safety protocols, including the determination of fireworks discharge rules. According to a Southern Utah News profile published on July 23, 2026, Pierson and Mayor Colten Johnson determined that the city’s existing fireworks discharge map would remain in effect for the Pioneer Day holiday after reviewing weather forecasts, available firefighting resources, and current fire conditions.
Pierson’s role involves overseeing the department's response to various emergencies. During a particularly active period in July 2026, the Kanab City Fire Department responded to four separate fires in a single week. According to a Southern Utah News report published on July 15, 2026, the department arrived on scene in an average of seven minutes during these incidents, helping to contain blazes before they could spread to additional structures or homes. One such incident occurred on July 5, 2026, when firefighters responded to a backyard fire in the Cottonwood neighborhood of Kanab. This fire involved combustible materials and damaged a vehicle and wood piles, but no homes were damaged and no injuries were reported. Pierson stated that the crews did a great job by getting water on that fire quickly to limit its spread.
Other incidents handled by the department during that same week included a brush fire on July 11, 2026, in the Ranchos neighborhood. This fire was ignited by a ground flower firework in an area where fireworks are not permitted and burned approximately one-half acre. On July 12, 2026, the department responded to a structure fire in the Vermilion Cliffs Special Service District that destroyed a barn, a shed, hay, several vehicles, and livestock. In that instance, firefighters had water on the fire approximately 11 minutes after dispatch.
Pierson has emphasized the importance of community cooperation regarding fire prevention. As recorded in a Southern Utah News report published on July 15, 2026, Pierson stated that these incidents serve as a reminder that fire prevention begins with every resident. He noted that it only takes one spark to put homes, families and firefighters at risk and urged residents to be aware of conditions that can quickly spread fire and to call 911 immediately if a fire starts.
Because the Kanab City Fire Department is staffed primarily by volunteers, Pierson has encouraged residents who are interested in serving the community to contact the fire station or Kanab City offices for information about joining the department. Residents encounter the work of the fire department through emergency responses and through official city reminders regarding safety and holiday restrictions.
What this means for Kanab
For Kanab residents, the leadership of Brett Pierson means that fire safety is a collaborative effort between the city and the community. By following established fireworks rules and maintaining defensible space around homes, residents assist the Kanab City Fire Department in its mission to protect lives and property during dry summer conditions and holiday celebrations.
