Utah fire chief seriously burned during live-fire training

CEDAR CITY, Utah — The Cedar City community is rallying around Fire Chief Mike Phillips, who was seriously burned during a Sept. 16 live-fire exercise.

Phillips reportedly sustained burns to his face and arm when jet fuel ignited prematurely during a live-fire drill. He is being treated at the University of Utah Hospital and is expected to remain hospitalized for several weeks.

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“A little spark fell into the jet fuel, and that ignited prematurely,” Cedar City Mayor Garth Green told KSL TV. “It burned him rather severely.”

Interim Fire Chief Mike Shurtz said Phillips is optimistic about his recovery.

“He’s doing super good. Even through all of this, he’s saying, ‘I’ll be out of the hospital in about three to four weeks,’” Shurtz said. “He’s always been optimistic, and I believe he’ll prove us right.”

Phillips faces multiple surgeries, including arm skin grafts, St. George News reported.

Further details have not been released while the incident is under investigation.

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