Spanish Fork is adding 12 full-time firefighters, paid for at first by a federal grant of about $2 million, KSL reported on Nov. 2, 2026. The hires take the fire department from 36 to 48 full-time personnel and let the city put four firefighters on each of its two frontline engines, every shift, around the clock.
| New positions | 12 firefighters |
| Department size | 36 full-time, rising to 48 |
| Grant | FEMA SAFER, about $2 million over several years |
| Start | Expected first quarter of 2027 |
| Stations | 61 (370 N. Main St.) and 62 (2635 E. Canyon Road) |
The grant
The money comes from FEMA's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, which funds fire departments directly so they can increase or keep the number of trained front-line firefighters and meet national staffing and response standards, according to FEMA. KSL reported that the grant pays over several years and that the city must cover the positions after it ends.
City spokesman Jack Urquhart told KSL the city was "overjoyed" and that the grant "fast-forwards" staffing growth that would otherwise have come gradually over the next few years. Fire Chief Eddie Hales said it helps "safeguard local tax dollars without compromising our commitment to exceptional fire protection," KSL reported.
What changes
Both stations get more frontline firefighters, and both engines will run with four firefighters per shift, 24/7, according to KSL. The city expects to fill the jobs in the first quarter of 2027.
Spanish Fork moved from part-time and volunteer staffing to a full-time department about five years ago and has hired 38 full-time fire and EMS personnel since then without raising property taxes, KSL reported.
If you live in Spanish Fork
- Emergency: call 911. Non-emergency dispatch: 801-798-5600, per the city's fire department page.
- The department also handles inspections, burn and fire permits, and station tours; the city's fire page has the details.
Our Living in Spanish Fork guide covers the city, and a short history of Spanish Fork covers how it grew. For volunteering in emergencies, see CERT and emergency volunteering in Utah County; for wildfire season, our defensible space guide applies to the canyon side of town.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many firefighters is Spanish Fork hiring?
How is Spanish Fork paying for the new firefighters?
What is a SAFER grant?
When will the new firefighters start?
What changes for residents?
Where are Spanish Fork's fire stations?
Will this raise Spanish Fork property taxes?
What is Spanish Fork's non-emergency dispatch number?
Sources
The facts in this guide were checked against these sources. Hours, fees and rules change, so confirm anything time-sensitive with the source before you go. How we make Provo.com.
- Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), FEMA. Checked November 3, 2026.
- Fire Department, Spanish Fork City. Checked November 3, 2026.
- Spanish Fork hires 12 firefighters with $2M federal grant, KSL.com. Checked November 3, 2026.