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Mammoth Thinning Panorama > Urban Interface Areas a Concern
Many homes located near urban interface areas are at increased risk to wildfire, especially when woody debris is located too close to structures.
Many homes located near urban interface areas are at increased risk to wildfire, especially when woody debris is located too close to structures.		 Urban Interface Areas a Concern

Currently, many urban-interface areas in Utah are in need of fuel reduction programs to alleviate a catastrophic wildland fire. Although no structures were destroyed during the Sanford fire, this may serve as an awakening as to the sometimes unpredictability of fire, especially in areas where fire has been absent for many decades.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that landowners “fire-proof” their dwellings by having:

  • Defensible space
  • Fuel breaks
  • Brush cleared 30’ around home
  • Clean roof and gutters
  • Flammables 50’ away from home
  • Spark arrestors on equipment
  • Access routes marked
  • Water supply and tools
  • Safe burning practices
  • Fire resistant vegetation

Also see;

  • Firewise - Making Sensible Choices in the Wildland/Urban Interface

Creating a “defensible space” around homes bordering forest lands is one preventive measure landowners can take to prevent destruction from wildfires.
Creating a “defensible space” around homes bordering forest lands is one preventive measure landowners can take to prevent destruction from wildfires.