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Jed Boal ReportingFirefighters in communities along the Wasatch Front are working with people to reduce their risk to wildfires. Many homeowners are in pretty good shape, others have a lot of work.
Homeowners who live in areas on the edge of the wilderness need to create buffer zones. When wildfires burn near homes, people pay attention and take action. Each of the last few years wildfires scorched the slopes east of Provo, threatening homes, but damaging none.
Firefighters expect to see more flames in the area this summer so they're helping people target areas of brush that could easily burn. Deputy Chief Tom Kuhlmann says it can be the equivalent of building your home in the middle of a fire ring.
Deputy Chief Tom Kuhlmann, Provo Fire Department: “Right now the fuel moistures are so low that even though it's green it will burn very rapidly, burn very hot. The concern we have is when it burns close to a structure."
Bob Tackleberry cleared out dead brush for a friend whose east bench property was very overgrown.
Bob Tackleberry, Volunteer: “You have leaves and dead debris on the ground that's three to six inches in depth. If you have a fire up here it's a danger to the whole neighborhood."
The firefighters aren't telling everyone to clear-cut an entire mature lawn, but they do want everyone to get out those fine dead fuels. They're also talking about defensible space. One homeowner has a nice section of lawn between any trees and the home. That means, if there is a fire, they can escape and firefighters can attack the fire.
Deputy Chief Tom Kuhlmann: “If you're talking about a lawn that's established, that's defensible space. We water our lawns the fuel moistures are higher. It can take a lot more heat before it will go."
In areas that aren't irrigated the fuels are drier and fire danger is higher. Firefighters don't want people to be scared, but simple precautions can make a big difference when fire is at your back yard.
Bob Tackleberry drastically reduced the risk for this homeowner and for firefighters.
Bob Tackleberry: “If something happens they have to come up here and fight the fire, it puts them at risk."
There are a lot of resources available...if you want to find out more about creating that buffer zone. Look for materials on line, or give your local fire department a call.
