When Fire’s in the Air: What Landowners Still Have Time to Do
When wildfire season looms, it’s easy to feel like you’ve run out of time. But even when there’s smoke in the distance or the summer heat is high, there are still meaningful steps Utah landowners can take to protect property, improve safety, and reduce long-term fire risk.
If you own land in the wildland-urban interface (WUI), a cabin in the mountains, or property surrounded by sagebrush or forest, this guide offers timely, expert-backed actions that are still worth taking—even late in the season.
Why Wildfire Preparedness Matters for Landowners in Utah
Utah’s dry climate, high winds, and vast stretches of unmanaged vegetation make it especially vulnerable to wildfire. Extended drought, warmer temperatures, and earlier snowmelt all contribute to longer and more intense fire seasons.
Landowners are not only responsible for their property’s safety—their land can also influence the fire risk for neighbors and surrounding community. Wildfire preparedness is both a personal and collective responsibility, especially in rural areas and HOA-managed neighborhoods.
Key Steps Landowners Can Take Before Wildfire Season Peaks
As fire season peaks, proactive measures can dramatically reduce a property’s vulnerability. These steps can make the difference between a home that ignites and one that survives.
Creating Defensible Space Around Your Property
Defensible space is the buffer between your home and the surrounding terrain. Firewise USA® breaks this into three zones:
Immediate Zone (0–5 feet): Keep this area free of flammable material. Trim tree branches away from structures and clear dry leaves or needles from around the structure, roofs, and gutters. Consider gravel instead of combustible mulch.
Intermediate Zone (5–30 feet): Thin trees and shrubs, prune branches, and space vegetation. Maintain space between flammable items, such as patio furniture. Clear all dead plants, grass, and weeds.
Extended Zone (30–100 feet): Maintain larger trees with selective thinning and remove excess underbrush. Trim annual grass to a maximum height of 4 inches. Keep exposed wood piles in this area at least 10 feet clear of the surroundings, extending down to the soil level.
Defensible space gives firefighters a safe zone to work and reduces the intensity of flames as they approach structures.
Best Practices for Clearing Brush, Trees, and Debris
Clearing vegetation isn’t just about cutting things down—it’s about strategic fuel reduction. Here’s how to do it the right way:
Remove ladder fuels: These are shrubs, small trees, and vines that allow fire to climb from the ground into tree canopies.
Thin overcrowded stands: Trees that grow too close together create continuous canopy cover that fuels crown fires.
Chip or haul slash piles: Leaving slash or brush piles to dry out creates new fuel. Chipping or hauling them offsite reduces that risk.
Maintain access roads and driveways: Emergency crews need clear entry points. Trim overhanging limbs and widen tight turns.
This work also improves forest health by giving remaining trees more access to sunlight, nutrients, and airflow.
Common Mistakes Landowners Make in Fire Preparation
Even well-intentioned landowners can make costly missteps. Some of the most common include:
Stacking firewood under porches or against the house
Leaving propane tanks next to dry vegetation
Allowing trees to overhang roofs and decks
Using bark mulch directly against the home
Neglecting access roads and driveways for emergency crews
Forgetting to clean gutters, vents, and eaves
Avoiding these mistakes can mean the difference between losing and saving a home.
How to Protect Homes, Cabins, and Outbuildings from Fire Damage
Even if land is well-managed, structures need attention too. Protect assets by:
Cleaning gutters and roofs regularly.
Screening attic and crawlspace vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh.
Installing spark arrestors on chimneys.
Enclosing decks or screening underneath them to prevent ember intrusion.
Storing flammable items (propane tanks, fuel cans, etc.) safely and away from structures.
Replacing missing or damaged shingles and siding.
Simple changes like replacing bark mulch with rock, enclosing the underside of decks with wire mesh, and upgrading to fire-resistant roofing can significantly reduce vulnerability.
When to Call a Forestry or Fire Mitigation Professional
Some projects, especially those involving large trees, steep slopes, or technical equipment, require professional support. Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialists (like those at Alpine Forestry) can:
Conduct risk assessments and mapping
Tree removal and arborist services
Develop long-term land management plans
Manage large-scale fuels reduction or forest thinning
Coordinate with HOAs, municipalities, or fire departments
Provide documentation for insurance or grant programs
Prescribed fire planning, permitting, and implementation
Professional partners also ensure work is done to Firewise USA® and NFPA standards, with ecological sensitivity in mind.
Long-Term Land Management Strategies for Fire Safety
Wildfire preparedness isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process. The best landowners treat fire mitigation like regular home maintenance. Long-term strategies include:
Annual defensible space inspections and updates
Seasonal clearing of leaves, needles, and branches
Scheduled forest thinning every 5–10 years
Strategic planting of fire-resistant species
Collaborating with neighbors or HOAs to reduce community-wide risk
Over time, these practices reduce overall fuel load and improve forest health, making your property more resilient to both fire and pests.
Fire-Resistant Landscaping and Building Materials
“Firewise landscaping” means selecting plants, materials, and designs that slow down or resist fire.
Landscaping: Choose low-resin, high-moisture plants such as lavender, yarrow, lupine, and irises. Avoid junipers, pines, and ornamental grasses near the home.
Mulch: Use gravel, crushed rock, or decomposed granite instead of bark mulch within 5 ft of structures.
Siding: Opt for stucco, fiber-cement, brick, or metal siding.
Roofing: Use Class A fire-rated roofing materials like metal, clay tile, or asphalt shingles.
Windows: Double-paned or tempered glass resists breaking during heat exposure.
What to Do If a Wildfire Is Already Near Your Property
If a wildfire is approaching and evacuation orders are issued, safety is the top priority. Here’s what to do:
Follow local alerts and evacuation notices immediately
Close all windows, doors, and vents
Move flammable items (furniture, propane, firewood) away from structures
Shut off gas supply lines if time allows
Leave exterior lights on so firefighters can see your property through smoke
Evacuate early and don’t return until officials declare it safe
Do not try to stay and defend your home. It puts both you and emergency crews at risk. Property can be rebuilt—lives cannot.
Final Thoughts: You Still Have Time—But Don’t Wait
Even when fire is in the air, it’s never too late to take meaningful action. Even small improvements like relocating firewood, pruning overhanging limbs, or clearing gutters can make a big impact.
At Alpine Forestry, we believe wildfire preparedness is about more than protecting property. It’s about protecting lives, landscapes, and communities. Whether you manage one acre or 100, we’re here to help you build a safer, healthier future for your property.
Contact Alpine Forestry today to schedule a wildfire risk assessment or learn how to implement a long-term land management plan.
