According to a staff directory dated July 26, 2026, Joshua Phillips was listed as the Emergency Management Director for Duchesne County. This same directory, which also includes contact information for the official, identifies his office as Emergency Management and provides a phone number of (435) 738-1226.
Information provided by the Duchesne County Department of Emergency Management, as of July 29, 2026, describes the various responsibilities associated with the office of Fire and Emergency Management. The department is responsible for coordinating and funding the County fire service and acting in the office of the County Fire Marshal. Additionally, the department works in partnership with State Sovereign Lands & Forestry regarding wildland fires. The office is also tasked with chairing the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and directing Emergency Management within the county.
According to the undated documentation from the department of Emergency Management, the Local Emergency Planning Committee focuses on creating emergency response plans for incidents such as chemical accidents and multi-hazard situations. The composition of this committee includes members from the city, county, law enforcement, fire agencies, and private industries. The department also provides resources for residents, such as seasonal burning guidelines via a Fall Burn Notice.
Under state statutes, the Chief Fire Officer of any county is required to enforce the rules of the State Fire Marshal and therefore acts as the County Fire Marshal. The State of Utah has adopted the International Fire Code, which counties adhere to for safeguarding life and property from fire and explosion hazards. Duchesne County adopted the Wildland Interface Code in 2006. The County Fire Marshal works alongside the County Building Official regarding investigations of fire causes, plan reviews, and inspections of facilities.
In addition to the responsibilities of the Fire & Emergency Manager, the department's contact list includes several other officials. Shelly Felter was listed as the Emergency Management Coordinator and the Emergency Management Secretary, according to the July 26, 2026, staff directory. Other personnel noted in the department's documentation include Brandon Peck, who was identified as the Duchesne County Fire Warden, and Levi McKee, who was listed as the Fire & Mitigation Lead.
Residents may encounter the work of the Fire and Emergency Management department through various public safety channels and seasonal notices. The department's presence is established through its role in managing local fire services and coordinating with state entities for wildland fire management. The office provides essential contact information for residents seeking assistance or information regarding emergency services and fire safety guidelines within the county.
What this means for Duchesne
For the residents of Duchesne, the existence of an Emergency Management Director and a dedicated Fire and Emergency Management office provides a structured framework for public safety. These roles ensure that the county adheres to the International Fire Code and maintains coordination with state agencies to manage wildland fires and chemical accident response plans.
