It’s Wildfire Season Again
Wildfire season is still in full force in Northern Utah and with temperatures staying high, no rainfall, and increasing thunderstorms, it is the perfect mix for wildfires. However, wildfires are not the biggest concern in Utah this year, it is human caused fires. According to Utah Fire Info, 558 of the 881 total fires thus far in 2024 have been human caused. With the beautiful mountains running through our state we have many homes built on the benches that back up to dry flammable open space. These areas, as well as any neighborhoods throughout the valley that are near open unfarmed land that tends to be dry kindling by August, need to be extra cautious and aware of their surroundings.
Wildfires are destructive and terrifying, but they only happen in forests right? Wrong! So far we have been lucky and the large fires extending from Southern Utah to Southern Idaho have burned acres of land but no homes. Let’s keep it that way by taking precautionary steps to keep fires at bay if they happen to ignite near your property. Take the following steps to protect your property and encourage your neighbors as well. One unprotected home in a neighborhood is all it takes to potentially spread from house to house.
1. Secure the Area Around Your Home
A common mistake homeowners make is leaving combustible materials too close to their homes. Wildfires can produce intense heat that ignites materials from over 100 feet away. It’s vital to maintain a defensible space by relocating firewood, dry leaves, and other flammable items to at least 30 feet from your home. Consider using masonry or metal barriers if you have wooden fencing to prevent fire spread. While thinning out vegetation is necessary, some live plants can help catch and cool embers, reducing the chances of ignition.
2. Prevent Embers from Entering Your Home
Embers are a major culprit in igniting structures during wildfires. Ensure that all vents and eaves on your roof are screened with metal mesh to block embers from entering. Additionally, protect windows by replacing drapes and furnishings near them with heat-resistant materials. Such precautions increase your home’s chances of surviving a wildfire significantly.
3. Use Fire-Resistant Materials When Building or Renovating
The best time to start planning on fire protection is when you first start building a house. From the get-go, you should plan for wildfires, especially if you live in an area prone to them. First of all, consider the location. Putting your house near a thick stand of tress is clearly not a smart idea, but it’s also a bad idea to put your house on hilltop, or overhanging any place that a wildfire might sweep through. These spots are just asking for your house to go up in a blaze.
When designing your home, plan to build it from fire resistant materials. Avoid complicated shapes in the layout, as these create places for embers to fall and get stuck in. If you build your homes with these in mind, it will greatly reduce the fire danger.
If you aren’t building a new house, try to buy one that meets these conditions. And even if you’ve already bought your home, there are still ways to improve on it. Consider upgrading the roof, for example. Older homes often have wooden shingles. These are a big mistake. Asphalt shingles are better, but steel and tile are the safest. If you’ve got a wood-shingled house, have the roof replaced with better materials as soon as you can. Not only will it decrease the fire hazard, but it can also reduce your insurance rates.
4. Collaborate with Your Neighbors
All of these safety tips are useful, but they might not be any good if your neighbors don’t also take precautions. In places where homes are closely packed, your house is only as fire-proof as the one next door.
Fire safety is often a community effort. If you live in a densely populated area, it’s essential to discuss fire safety plans with your neighbors. Forming a community group can help raise awareness about fire risks and ensure everyone is taking similar precautions. Regular meetings to discuss safety measures and yard maintenance can make a significant difference in your neighborhood’s overall fire safety.
5. Have A Wildfire Safety Plan
Despite taking all precautions, it’s crucial to have a wildfire safety plan in place. Ensure your family is aware of emergency evacuation routes and practice drills regularly. In the event of a wildfire alert, prioritize your safety over material possessions—homes can be rebuilt, but lives cannot be replaced. A well-prepared family can stay calm and act swiftly when emergencies arise.
Conclusion
By following these five tips, you can dramatically increase the likelihood of your home surviving a wildfire. However, even with thorough preparations, damage can still occur. If you find yourself needing fire restoration services or dealing with smoke damage, reach out to us. Alpine Cleaning and Restoration, serving Northern Utah with offices in Smithfield, North Salt Lake, and Lindon, is ready to help restore your home after fire damage. Our experts will work with your insurance agency to ensure a smooth and efficient recovery process. Stay safe this wildfire season!
We’re Ready To Help You
We all hope that the worst doesn’t happen, but that’s not always in our control. Even with every precaution taken, your house might still be lost or damaged in a fire. If that happens, the people at Alpine Cleaning and Restoration are here for you. We’re the best restoration company in Utah. As soon as the firefighters give the clear to return, we can be there to assess the damage, help restore valuable items, and work with your insurance to get you back to living in your restored home as soon as possible. We will restore your house to as good as new, if not better. You won’t even smell the smoke! We’ll work with your insurance agency to give you the best restoration possible. You can rest easy knowing we’re on the job. Don’t Wait! The faster you call Alpine Cleaning & Restoration located in Smithfield, North Salt Lake, and Lindon, Utah, the sooner we can get you back in your home.