Protecting Your Home Against Wildfires
Jun 22, 2021, 12:52 PM | Updated: May 21, 2023, 4:36 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — Firefighters said there’s still time for Utahns to take steps to protect their homes and property from wildfires.
The state has already seen fires that forced evacuations, including the Flatt Fire, which came dangerously close to homes in Washington County.
The devastation of a wildfire can show up on our doorstep in these hot, dry conditions, but firefighters said preventative measures can go a long way.
“A lot of red flag days have already been had and we’ll see more ahead of us,” said Matthew McFarland, Unified Fire Authority spokesperson.
McFarland said homes in the Wildland Urban Interface — near undeveloped vegetation — are at greater risk of wildfires.
“Wood piles or anything like that that can carry the fire, including a spot fire — that’s why if you live in that urban interface it’s really important to have your space prepared,” he said.
McFarland encouraged people to create a defensible space 30-to-50 feet around their house – reduce vegetation and eliminate any flammable material.
“Making sure your deck, your eaves, any overhangs on your house don’t have any fuel stacked under them,” he said.
It’s up to us to do our part.
“Ninety percent of fires are human-caused. We can prevent then we can bring that number down,” said McFarland.
Common fires they see this time of year as well – grill fires with more people cooking on their decks. McFarland said to have a fire extinguisher on hand, and a plan in case a fire gets out of control.
