Wildfire Season is Coming: How to Protect Your Home and Family Now

As temperatures rise and dry conditions persist, Utah’s Wasatch Front braces for another intense wildfire season. Experts warn that early preparation could mean the difference between safety and catastrophe. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the flames.

Why This Wildfire Season Could Be Worse Than Ever

Decades of drought, increasing urban sprawl, and climate shifts have created a perfect storm for wildfires. The Wasatch Front’s unique geography—dry foothills meeting dense neighborhoods—puts thousands at risk. Last year’s record-breaking burns serve as a grim reminder of what’s at stake.

Essential Steps to Protect Your Property

• Create Defensible Space: Clear flammable vegetation within 30 feet of structures—this single action reduces fire spread by 75%.
• Upgrade Your Roof: Class A fire-rated materials like metal or asphalt shingles prevent ember penetration.
• Install Ember-Resistant Vents: Mesh screens block airborne sparks from entering attics.
• Maintain Emergency Kits: Include N95 masks, goggles, and a battery-powered radio in your evacuation supplies.

Community-Wide Strategies That Save Lives

Neighborhood coordination amplifies protection efforts. Successful programs include:

1. Coordinated fuel reduction projects across property lines
2. Shared emergency communication trees via apps like Nextdoor
3. Pre-identified evacuation routes practiced biannually

What Do You Think?

• Should homeowners in high-risk zones pay higher insurance premiums?
• Is the state doing enough to enforce defensible space regulations?
• Would you support tax increases for enhanced firefighting air fleets?
• Do climate change policies actually impact wildfire frequency?