During the operation, the Provo Firefighters Union announced that its wildland rapid extraction module team had left the Babylon wildfire in Blanding to help with the situation involving one of its own members.
Provo Fire and Rescue later confirmed the deaths of Spencer and his family.
“We are absolutely devastated by the death of Capt. Spencer Long and his family,” the department said Saturday. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”
Colleagues remember Spencer’s kindness
Following the announcement, people who knew Spencer shared memories of his character and generosity.
Tanner Atwater recalled meeting him while serving as a high school intern with Provo Fire. During a stop for food, Atwater’s debit card declined and Spencer quietly paid for his lunch.
Although Atwater offered to repay him, Spencer refused to accept the money. Atwater said he would always cherish the memory.
Brad Adams described Spencer as “a fine young man” and said he had loved working with him in Provo.
“Words cannot describe the great sadness this brings to all that knew Spencer, his wife and children,” Adams wrote.
The messages remembered Spencer not only for his work in the fire service, but also for the personal kindness he showed to those around him.
Katrina honored for her community service
Katrina was also widely recognized for her contributions to the community. She previously served as a councilmember in Mona City and was a co-founder of Summit Medical Spa.
Mona City officials said Katrina devoted countless hours to serving the area and made a lasting difference through her leadership, kindness and commitment.
“We will forever be grateful for all that Katrina and her family have done to support and strengthen our community,” officials said.
The city extended its condolences to Lydia and everyone who knew the family, adding that Katrina’s “legacy of service and compassion will not be forgotten.”
Summit Medical Spa described Katrina as far more than one of its founders, calling her the heart of the organization.
According to the spa’s statement, she led with kindness, grace and compassion while making employees, clients and friends feel supported and valued. The business remembered her as an exceptional leader and an inspiring businesswoman whose generosity affected countless people.
“Her legacy is woven into everything Summit stands for and her impact will continue to be felt for years to come,” the spa said.
The organization said the Long family would remain in the hearts of those who knew them and that their influence would live on through the community they helped create.
Community rallies around surviving daughter
An online fundraiser has been established to support Lydia as she faces life without her parents and three brothers.
The fundraiser described Spencer and Katrina as devoted parents whose family brought them their greatest joy. It also highlighted the kindness, generosity and love they showed to others.
“In an instant, their daughter Lydia lost the people she loved most and is now facing an unimaginable future without them,” the fundraising page stated.
Organizers acknowledged that financial assistance could not remove Lydia’s grief or replace her family. However, they said donations could help reduce some of the burdens ahead and show her that she is not alone.
“Every donation, no matter the amount, is a meaningful expression of love and support,” the fundraiser said.
By Sunday night, nearly $160,000 had been raised to help Lydia following the loss of her parents and brothers.
