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Wildfire has been a continuing challenge throughout Utah’s history. There are several areas in Utah where there is an extreme danger of wildland-urban fire. In fact, any fire over 100 acres threatens some structure due to the increase in development into wildland areas. Over 400 of Utah’s communities have been classified as “at risk” of wildfire. The safety of the citizens of any community is a shared responsibility between the citizens; the owner, developer or association; and the local, county, state and federal governments. The primary responsibility, however, remains at the citizen/owner and association level.
The following problems have increased the wildland-urban interface wildfire risk:
- Desire to live in a secluded area surrounded by natural vegetation without defensible space.
- Homes are built of flammable materials (wood siding, shakes and patios).
- Fire equipment is hampered from protecting an area because of long, narrow, winding, or steep driveways.
- Distance from fire departments.
- One ingress and egress road in subdivisions and some communities.
- Misperception that fire protection in rural areas is equal to urban fire protection services.
- Inadequate water supply.
- Poor signage and access to residences.
- No hazard planning for evacuation and no early warning systems.
- Utility service lines and propane tanks.
The purpose of community fire planning is to:
- Empower communities to organize, plan, and take action on issues impacting community safety
- Enhance levels of fire resistance and protection to the community
- Identify the risks of wildland/urban interface fires in the area
- Identify strategies to reduce the risks to homes and businesses in the community during a wildfire
click here to link to Document: PC- CWPP – Final