Local teams of firefighters will be gathering on September 24 at the Shops at South Town to compete in the 4th Annual Utah Firefighter Chili Cookoff. This event was a huge success last year and it will be even bigger and better this year. The event brings fire departments together for a fun and competitive challenge between departments to raise money for the University Health Care Burn Camp Program.

Last year there were over 20 teams participating. This year 20 to 30 teams are expected to compete for the coveted “Battle of the Axe” trophies. They will be awarded to the teams who have been judged for the Best Chili, Best Booth and largest sum of donations. There will be a panel of judges assembled to judge the event, and this year, organizers have added a “People’s Choice Award” for the best chili as decided by the public.

Businesses and individuals are encouraged to contact their local firefighters with donations to help in their fundraising effort. Donations can also be made online at utahfirefighterchilicookoff.com. Money raised will help continue and to provide the organization with the financial help they need to keep their Camp funded in the years to come.

The University Health Care Burn Camp Program was established in 1993 to help support burn survivors with the personal challenges associated with surviving a burn injury. There are five different programs geared toward specific age groups, providing a safe and supportive atmosphere for everyone involved. Each of the programs uses self-esteem building, teamwork, and peer interaction to create a fun environment conducive to healing. The camps provide the tools needed to not only survive injury, but to also thrive in recovery.