Wildland fire is a severe threat to forested homes around Utah County, but as a homeowner, there are many relatively easy steps that you can take to improve the chances of saving your home in case of wildland fire.

One of the most imortant steps you can take to protect your home, is to create a "defensible space", or open area around your home, to prevent the fire from spreading right next to it. This also creates an accessible area for firefighters to move in and combat the flame.

The most effective size for your defensible space will vary depending on the type and height of the trees and vegetation surrounding your home, the slope of the land, as well as the location of decks and detached buildings. Generally, a clearing of at least 30 feet is advised. A mowed, green lawn is an excellent example of a defensible space.

You can cut down on ladder fuels, or fuels such as branches that could allow fire to move up from the ground, by keeping trees and bushes properly pruned and trimmed, and by removing dead brush and keeping it a safe distance from your home. Store wood a safe distance from your home, never under a deck.

If you have any questions about how to protect your home from the threat of wildland fires please
contact us.

Landscape design can be extremely crucial in case of fire. Plant trees a safe distance apart, and keep your yard clean of any flammable debris, such as leaves and dead grass. Your choice of trees and plants can also make a difference, as some are more flammable than others.

Materials used in construction can also make a difference in the safety of your home. Avoid wooden shingles, and use fire-resistant or non-combustible materials wherever you can. Bricks, stone and stucco hold up much better than vinyl or wood, and could be a determining factor in saving your home.

For additional information on protecting your home, please visit

• Firewise.org
• FEMA- The Federal Emergency Management Agency

Most wildland fires in Utah County are preventable. Although some fires are started by lightning and other natural causes, around 90% of wildland fires in the United States are caused by human carelessness. These fires threaten lives, destroy homes and property, and consume thousands of acres of land each year.

Once ignited, wildfires travel very quickly depending on many factors such as humidity, wind speed and direction, the slope of the land, and the type, density and humidity of the surrounding brush and vegetation. On a hot summer day, even a tiny spark from an ATV can cause a fire.

Here are a few things that you can do to make sure that you are not the cause of an accidental fire:

• Only build campfires in designated areas.
• Clear fire pits to bare soil
• Watch for overhanging branches and nearby vegetation
• Never leave a campfire unattended, and make sure the fire does not throw sparks into dry vegetation
• Completely extinguish fires before leaving them unattended. Wind can stir up and spread sparks later on. This is one of the most common reasons preventable fires are started.
• Only use approved fireworks during designated times, and never use them near dry or combustible materials
• Never burn without a permit,
• Never throw cigarettes out the window! Always use an ash tray.
• Always use a spark arrester on off-road vehicles.
  
  If you see smoke or suspect a fire, call 911 immediately!