UTAH FIREWATCH

Newly-approved funding helps clear fuels for wildfires near homes

Jul 1, 2024, 6:19 PM

Fuel crews clearing out highly flammable vegetation in the Ogden area to prevent wildfires from spr...

Fuel crews clearing out highly flammable vegetation in the Ogden area to prevent wildfires from spreading to nearby homes. (Mike Anderson, KSL TV)

(Mike Anderson, KSL TV)

OGDEN — Firefighters in Ogden are working to prepare and protect high-risk areas from wildfires, thanks to new state funding approved in early 2024.

The funding is aimed at areas in the wildland-urban interface, where a lot could be lost quickly in the right conditions. This is something that almost happened to Ryan Bessey two years ago.

“The fire started on the other side of that hill over there,” Bessey said. “Because of the winds that it very quickly came over that hill just v’d up the mountain.”

On Labor Day in 2022, the human-caused Valley Fire devoured about 20 acres. It forced evacuations as it quickly approached several homes overnight, but luckily, firefighters prevented the fire from destroying homes.

To prevent wildfires like the Valley Fire from threatening homes, Weber County Fire Warden Richard Cooper and another landowner worked to get grants to better protect the area for the future.

“(The Valley Fire), kind of, so to speak, solidified. Yeah, we definitely have a high risk here,” Cooper said.

On Monday, fuel crews from Weber Fire District worked on clearing the invasive Russian Olive trees that can be very flammable.

“Having the funding, to do this work, is essential to helping us protect our communities,” said Karl Hunt, a spokesman for Forestry, Fire and State Lands.

A fuel crew member cleaning up the area on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

A fuel crew member cleaning up the area on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. (Mike Anderson, KSL TV)

Hunt said the state funding approved a handful of similar projects in the wildland-urban interface. About $200,000 will fund the department’s work for about three years, spanning 120 acres.

Kevin Brown, the Ogden City Fire Marshal, said the funding will also help discourage illegal encampments that pose an even greater risk.

“The vegetation is currently so thick that, it would be tough for them to get out, and they could be injured,” Brown said.

Meantime, homeowners like Bessey, are glad to see work being done that could save homes and lives.

“These are heavy, big trees that would produce a lot of fuel,” Bessey said.

He also would like to see a bit more help for homeowners to clear the brush on their own like having the city provide large dumpsters where they could leave the fuels they clear.

Utah receives federal funding to help reduce risk of wildfires

KSL 5 TV Live

Utah Firewatch

The Yellow Lake Fire grew to more than 31,000 acres on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (KSL TV)...

Jacob Freeman

Yellow Lake Fire 100% contained, Forest Service says

The Yellow Lake Fire has finally been 100% contained after firefighters have battled the blaze through the end of a long, dry fire season.

1 day ago

emergency lights...

Kyle Remund, KSL NewsRadio

Tooele brush fire put out by fire crews

A brush fire in Tooele County was quickly brought under control by fire crews Saturday afternoon, according to Jon Smith from the North Tooele Fire District. 

14 days ago

The Yellow Lake Fire in the Uintah Mountains on Sept. 30, 2024....

Jacob Freeman

Yellow Lake Fire 45% contained with more snow coming

The Yellow Lake Fire has reached 45% containment, and the southern perimeter that once threatened the town of Hanna is now completely contained.

14 days ago

After 20 consecutive days working in the Yellow Lake Fire, the Weber Basin Job Corps in the Francis...

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: Utah heroes recognized for Yellow Lake Fire efforts

We are looking out for the good. Utah heroes are being recognized for their hard work in keeping one of this season's largest fires under control.

19 days ago

Yellow Lake Fire...

Alex Cabrero and Larry D. Curtis

Utah town Hanna praying for snow as Yellow Lake Fire looms

Utah needs some autumn precipitation, but people in the small town of Hanna sure are hoping for snow. They've been on constant alert to prepare to evacuate because of the Yellow Lake Fire burning nearby.

24 days ago

Officials overseeing the Yellow Lake Fire urged residents of a small town to be ready for a possibl...

Mark Jones, Alex Cabrero, Shelby Lofton

Yellow Lake Fire: Officials urging residents in Hanna to be ready to evacuate just in case

Officials overseeing the Yellow Lake Fire urged residents of a small town to be ready for a possible evacuation notice during a public meeting Sunday at Kamas Middle School.

27 days ago

Sponsored Articles

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

family having fun at home...

Lighting Design

Discover the impact of lighting on your mood

From color temperature to lighting saturation, we tackle how different lighting design setups can impact your day-to-day mood.

Laptops in a modern technology store. Department of computers in the electronics store. Choosing a ...

PC Laptops

How to choose the best laptop for college students

Finding the right laptop for college students can be hard, but with this guide we break down what to look for so you can find the best one.

young male technician is repairing a printer at office...

Les Olson

Unraveling the dilemma between leasing and buying office technology

Carefully weigh these pros and cons to make an informed decision that best suits your business growth and day-to-day operation. 

A kitchen in a modern farmhouse....

Lighting Design

A room-by-room lighting guide for your home

Bookmark this room-by-room lighting guide whenever you decide to upgrade your lighting or style a new home.

Photo courtesy of Artists of Ballet West...

Ballet West

The rising demand for ballet tickets: why they’re harder to get

Ballet West’s box office is experiencing demand they’ve never seen before, leaving many interested patrons unable to secure tickets they want.

Newly-approved funding helps clear fuels for wildfires near homes