As firefighters from across the country converge on northern Utah to assist with the Yellow Lake Fire, keeping those firefighters fed and supplied is a tall order. The Weber Basin Job Corps team from Ogden is making this happen, according to U.S. Forest Service officials, who said the long days put in by these young men and women allow firefighters to focus on suppressing the fire and staying safe. Knowing that a hot meal is waiting for them when they come in from the fireline for the day is a much-needed comfort to firefighters, the officials said. The Weber Basin Job Corps, Civilian Conservation Center (CCC), is one of 24 centers operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The program teaches Job Corps members how to work as a team and to care for the land. By embracing their natural surroundings, members of the Job Corps can train career fields such as wildland firefighting and forestry conservation.For many in the Job Corps, the Yellow Lake Fire is their first time in a fire camp. If they choose to pursue a career in firefighting, this experience provides an opportunity to witness the work of the firefighters mobilized from across the country.Dave Whittekiend, forest supervisor for the Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, stands with Job Corps members (from left) John Bchourd, Destiny Hunter, Cat Bissell, Dave Whittekiend, Miranda Magdid, Branston Peck, Paola Perrez.“Having these students out here with us is a point of pride,” said Dave Whittekiend, forest supervisor for the Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest. “This is also an opportunity for them to serve in their own backyard. While they may be training in different fields, this is an opportunity for them to see behind the scenes of the firefighters’ job.”The trades offered by the corps include maintenance, welding, culinary, carpentry, electrical, forestry and advanced dispatch. Members of all trades are working in both fire camps to support the Yellow Lake Fire crews.Mariah Hicks, a corps member for over five years and program participant 30 years ago, is leading the crew fire camp in Francis, and Scott Radmacher is the crew camp boss at the Duchesne camp.For more information: weberbasin.jobcorps.gov/.Dave Whittekiend, forest supervisor for the Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, stands with Job Corps members (from left) Precious Bedonie, Makayla Black, Dave Whittekiend, Scott Radmacher (Duchesne camp crew boss), Mariana Penez, Alejo Velasco. Credit: U.S. Forest ServiceThe post Forest Service leaders celebrate efforts of CCC at Francis fire camp appeared first on Park Record.