Firefighters working on the Iron Fire in north Juab County were notified of possible lead exposure after incident managers discovered part of the fire burned through heavily contaminated soil. The area near Eureka Mills had previously been designated as a Superfund site due to high levels of contaminants in the soil, according to incident management.
Cliff McClure, the incident commander with Great Basin Team 3, stated that there was concern that firefighters could have disturbed contaminated soil while performing tasks such as constructing hand lines, dozer lines, and moping. McClure noted that dust from the digging process could carry lead or mercury.
According to incident management, the window for possible exposure began on June 19. Officials identified June 20 as having the highest chance for exposure, with the window continuing through June 25. Firefighters and others connected to the incident received notification on June 29.
McClure clarified that the presence of lead in the area does not automatically mean firefighters were exposed, but acknowledged it remains a possibility. He stated that precautions were being taken and that every person who worked on the incident had been notified.
Israel Justice, a part-time wildland firefighter assigned to the Iron Fire, said that during an initial attack, the primary focus is stopping the fire's progression and protecting property, meaning knowledge of other hazards may come later. Justice noted that hazards near old mining areas can include explosives, ammunition, or contaminated soil.
McClure mentioned that state and federal agencies have held discussions regarding ways to better map potential exposure sites and share that data with incident management teams and fire departments before crews enter those locations.
