Unified Fire Authority urges Emigration Canyon Homeowners to Prepare for Possible Wildfires This Summer
May 4, 2019, 9:00 PM | Updated: 10:16 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Firefighters from the Unified Fire Authority held their 17th Firewise Day in Emigration Canyon.
They hoped to education people who live in the canyon about how to protect their homes from wildfires.
Salt Lake County Emergency Manager Clint Mecham said the wet winter may help wildfires spread later in the summer.
“We’ve had a lot of snow. There’s a lot of moisture in the ground. It will help that vegetation grow faster and bigger and when it comes summertime, July, August, September, a lot of those fuels or vegetation that grew here in the spring, becomes potential fuel for fire in the fall,” Mecham said.
Mecham said homeowners should incorporate wildfire protection into their spring cleaning.
“Creating defensible space around their homes, for example, having a family preparedness plan ready to go in the event that something does happen, what to do in case they are given an evacuation order,” he said.
Unified Fire wildland specialist Alec Moyer said a little preparation in the spring can make all the difference in the event of a wildfire.
“The potential’s there. The hazard’s there. If they can put it work beforehand, they can definitely make a difference. They can save homes,” he said.
Unified Fire Authority recommends clearing out a 30-foot safety zone around homes susceptible to wildfires. For more tips on wildfire safety, visit http://www.unifiedfire.org/services/fireprevention/wui.asp