Community Rallies Around Cedar City, UT, Fire Chief Hurt at Drill

The tables have been turned for the beloved fire chief in Cedar City.

Fire Chief Mike Phillips has been the go-to person always willing to step up to help the community.

Now, residents are the ones on the giving side as Phillips recovers from burn injuries suffered at a training drill last month, KSL reported.

He suffered burns to his face and arm when jet fuel ignited.

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

The training exercise involved over 800 firefighters from across the region — both career and volunteer crews — practicing real-life fire scenarios, including initial attack.

Firefighter Erick Cox recalled: “I was at the airport fire station, across from where he was. We were preparing to start the exercises. We didn’t know how serious it was right away.”

Phillips remains resilient as he remains in the burn unit at the University of Utah Hospital. 

“I talked to him this afternoon. He’s got a positive attitude. He’s the same Mike he’s always been, just going through treatment to get everything repaired,” Cox said.

The emotional toll on those close to Phillips has been significant.

The department that consists of 13 career and numerous volunteers are a close-knit group, the mayor said.

The community has stepped up to help out his familty with expenses unrelated to the medical bills, which are being covered. A number of events are planned.

Cox added: “Until he’s completely recovered, you never know what those ongoing costs will be. We just want to help provide for that.”