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Utah Adventure: How to prevent a wildfire

Posted at 1:30 PM, Aug 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-11 15:34:25-04

Jennifer Hansen, Utah Wildland Urban Interface Program Coordinator, shares tips on how to stay safe during wildfire season.

We have had a number of fires this season caused by motorized vehicles and escaped campfires. One less spark means one less wildfire.

  • Never drive a vehicle, especially a ATV or motorcycle into dry grass. This year we had several fires start this way, so stay on designated routes.
  • Make sure campfires are out cold before leaving them. We have seen a number of abandoned campfires that have resulted in wildfire, so remember that if your fire is too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave.
  • Along with 'how can we prevent wildfire' we should also consider 'how we can prepare ourselves for wildfire'. This is not only important to the homes that are up in the mountains but also those along the benches were un-manicured vegetation is adjacent to homes and communities.
  • Remove flammable items within 30 feet of all structures including firewood piles, portable propane tanks and dry and dead vegetation.
  • Replace mulch with hardscaping, including rock, gravel or stone. If it can catch fire, don`t let it touch your house, deck or porch.
  • Talk to your neighbors and create a plan for how to address your wildfire safety challenges together. Develop strategies to create Fire Adapted Communities, Resilient Landscapes and Safe/Effective Wildfire Response.