Utah Fire Info.gov

Utah Living With Fire - A Guide for the Homeowner Take action to improve the survivability of your home before a wildfire occurs. Pre-fire activities include proper vegetation management and the use of fire resistant building materials. The UtahFireInfo.gov "Living with Fire" site provides tips on how to increase the chances of your home surviving a wildfire.

Introduction Fire Environment Examples of Local Fire Behavior FAQs about Defensible Space Creating an Effective Defensible Space Firescape: Fire Safe Landscape Design Other considerations in Making Your Home Defensible When Wildfire Approaches		- FAQs ABOUT DEFENSIBLE SPACE - What is "Defensible Space"? Defensible space refers to that area between a house and oncoming wildfire where the vegetation has been modified to reduce the wildfire threat and to provide an opportunity for firefighters to effectively defend the house. Sometimes, a defensible space is simply a homeowner's properly maintained backyard. What is the relationship between vegetation and wildfire threat? Many people do not view the plants growing on their property as a threat. But in terms of wildfire, what is growing adjacent to their homes can have considerable influence upon the survivability of their houses. All vegetation, including plants native to the area as well as ornamental plants, are potential wildfire fuel. If vegetation is properly modified and maintained, a wildfire can be slowed, the length of flames shortened, and the amount of heat reduced, all of which assist firefighters to defend the home against an oncoming wildfire. The fire department is supposed to protect my house, so why should I bother with defensible space? Some individuals incorrectly assume that a fire engine will be parked in their driveway and firefighters will be actively defending their home if a wildfire approaches. During a major wildfire, it is unlikely there will be enough firefighting resources available to defend every home. In these instances, firefighters will likely select homes they can most safely and effectively protect. Does Defensible Space require a lot of bare ground in my landscape? No, while bare ground is effective in reducing wildfire threat, it is unacceptable due to appearance, soil erosion, and other factors. Does Defensible Space make a difference? Yes. Investigators of homes threatened by wildfire indicate that houses with an effective defensible space are much more likely to survive a wildfire. Defensible Space Checklist
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