Wildfire Preparedness Guide for Homeowners
Utah’s wildland-urban interface (WUI) communities face increasing wildfire risk due to drought, high winds, and extreme heat. If you live in or near Utah’s open space or forested areas, being proactive about wildfire preparedness is not just smart—it’s essential. This guide shares actionable steps based on expert insights and Firewise USA® recommendations to help protect your home, property, and loved ones.
High & Dry: How Drought, Wind, and Heat Influence Fire Risk
Wildfire risk in Utah continues to intensify due to prolonged drought, low humidity, and increasingly hot and dry summers. High winds, common across the Wasatch Front and the Mountain West, can cause fires to spread rapidly. These environmental factors create the perfect storm, turning dry vegetation, dead trees, and flammable materials into fuel.
Understanding these conditions is the first step in taking responsibility for your property’s fire resilience.
Creating a Defensible Space Around Your Home
Defensible space is a buffer created between your home and the surrounding landscape to reduce fire danger. That involves thoughtful landscaping, regular maintenance, and managing potential fuel sources within 100 feet of structures.
Defensible space is divided 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.
Pro tip: During wildfires, firefighters prioritize the most defensible homes. Wildland firefighters say they immediately notice five key fire risks when assessing priority homes:
Firewood stacked under decks or near walls
Flammable mulch and overgrown plants
Overhanging trees near roofs
Limited access for emergency vehicles
Combustible building materials
It’s important for homeowners to assess these fire risks and address any issues before they become a potential hazard.
Hardening Your Home Against Wildfires
“Hardening” your home means using materials and design features that are more resistant to ignition. This approach goes beyond landscaping and focuses on the structure itself.
Key upgrades and precautions include:
Roofing: Use Class A fire-rated roofing materials such as metal, tile, or asphalt shingles.
Vents: Cover attic and crawl space vents with 1/8-inch mesh to keep embers out.
Siding & Decking: Choose non-combustible or fire-resistant siding. Replace wooden decks with composite or metal alternatives.
Windows: Install double-paned or tempered glass to reduce breakage during heat exposure.
Gutters & Eaves: Regularly clean out leaves and debris, as they are prime catchers for embers.
Propane Tanks: Store tanks at least 10 feet from structures, on level ground, and surrounded by non-flammable materials like gravel—not grass or mulch.
Important note: Many Utah homes have propane tanks stored casually outside, often surrounded by vegetation. Ensure tanks are upright, clearly visible, and easily accessible for emergency crews to locate and assess.
Developing a Family Wildfire Action Plan
In the event of a wildfire, every second counts. A wildfire action plan helps ensure that your family can evacuate safely and quickly.
The wildfire action plan should include:
Evacuation Routes: Identify at least two escape routes from your neighborhood and a predetermined meeting point outside high-risk areas.
Emergency Contacts: Keep a printed list of phone numbers and a contact outside the area.
Go-Bags: Prepare emergency kits with essentials for every household member and pet.
Communication Strategy: Plan how to communicate during an emergency if cell towers are down, including coordinating with your contact outside the area.
Practice Drills: Conduct regular evacuation drills so every family member knows what to do.
Be sure to sign up for emergency alerts from your local county or city.
The Role of Home Insurance in Wildfire Preparedness
Some insurance companies are raising premiums or even dropping coverage for homes in areas prone to wildfires. As part of your wildfire prep, review your policy annually to confirm:
You have replacement cost coverage (not just actual cash value)
Your policy includes wildfire protection
You’ve documented your home and belongings with photos and receipts
You understand coverage limits on outbuildings, landscaping, and fences
Many insurers offer a discount for implementing defensible space and following Firewise USA® suggested guidelines. Check with your insurance provider to learn more.
Partnering with Alpine Forestry for Safety
At Alpine Forestry, we specialize in reducing wildfire risk through effective tree management, fuel mitigation, and creating defensible space. Our team includes Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialists who understand Utah’s unique terrain and fire ecology.
Whether we’re thinning overgrown forest edges in your HOA community or advising on safe tree removal near homes, we take a science-led, neighbor-conscious approach. We also collaborate with local and federal agencies to develop and implement sustainable, long-term wildfire prevention plans.
Alpine Forestry also assists homeowners in staying insured by providing wildfire mitigation work and documentation to their insurance company, including before-and-after photos and a letter detailing the work completed.
Our Comprehensive Wildfire Prevention Services
Alpine Forestry provides a full range of services to help homeowners prepare for fire season, including:
Defensible space creation & maintenance
Tree health evaluations & removal of hazardous trees
Fuel reduction and forest thinning
Controlled burn planning and oversight
Emergency access improvement for fire response
Community wildfire mitigation plans for HOAs
You Have the Power to Protect What Matters
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe, but there’s a lot within your control. With proper preparation and community collaboration, homeowners can significantly reduce wildfire risk and give firefighters the best possible chance to defend their home.
The team at Alpine Forestry advocates for safer and healthier land that keeps the beauty and views homeowners love. We help homeowners strike a balance between preserving natural beauty and maintaining their trees, while reducing wildfire risk, preserving wildlife habitats, and protecting their homes.
For expert guidance or to schedule a wildfire risk assessment, contact Alpine Forestry today. Let’s protect your home and peace of mind—together.
