As we welcome the beauty and renewal of spring, it is the perfect time to think ahead and prepare for the upcoming fire season. As we recently saw in the Palisades CA fires, the wildfire threat can spread into larger communities via airborne embers, and some home preparation is helpful even if you are not in a forested area. Spring offers us the opportunity to take proactive steps in safeguarding our homes, properties, and landscapes against potential wildfire risks.
Why Spring is the Time to Act: Wildfires can strike quickly, but preparation can make all the difference. By starting now, we can reduce the risk to our homes and communities before the hot summer months arrive. A few simple actions can significantly improve your property's defense, and it's important to act before dry conditions set in.
What You Can Do:
Clear Dead Vegetation: Remove dry leaves, pine needles, and dead plants from around your home. These can act as fuel for a fire.
Create Defensible Space: Trim trees and shrubs, ensuring a defensible space of at least 30 feet around your home. This reduces the potential for fire to spread to the structure.
Clean Gutters and Roofs: Keep gutters, vents, and chimneys clear of debris to prevent embers from igniting your home.
Water Access: Make sure your garden hoses and sprinklers are in good working order, and ensure your water source is easily accessible.
Fire-Resistant Materials: If you’re making any home improvements, consider using fire-resistant materials for roofing, decks, and fencing.
We’re Here to Help: SLCFD is committed to helping our community stay safe. We offer free home and landscape evaluations to help you identify fire risks specific to your property. Contact us whether you need advice on defensible space, clearing vegetation, or fire-resistant landscaping.
Let’s Work Together: Wildfire preparedness is a team effort. While we are ready to respond to emergencies, your proactive actions make a huge difference in reducing risk for your family and neighbors. Spring is the perfect time to get ahead of the season and ensure your home and property are as safe from fire as possible.
Thank you for your continued commitment to making our community safer. Together, we can face the fire season with confidence.
Sincerely,
Karl Lieb
The Great Utah ShakeOut 2025!
On April 17th, 2025, at 10:15 AM, Utahns across the state will take part in the Great Utah ShakeOut, an important drill to boost earthquake preparedness on the individual, household, and workplace levels. With Utah sitting on the Wasatch Fault, it’s essential for everyone—individuals, families, and businesses—to be ready for earthquakes that can strike without warning. By preparing now, you'll be better equipped to face the big shake with confidence, both during and after it happens.
This drill serves as a reminder to know how to respond when the ground shakes. For businesses, it’s a chance to review evacuation plans, communication protocols, and recovery strategies. For families, it’s the perfect time to ensure emergency kits are stocked, safe spots are identified, and evacuation routes are practiced. Don’t forget your pets—make sure they have a plan too! Earthquake Preparedness Tips:
Drop, Cover, and Hold On during shaking.
Keep an emergency kit with food, water, and first aid supplies for at least 72 hours.
Secure heavy furniture and objects to avoid injury.
Identify safe spots in each room, like under sturdy furniture or against interior walls.
Practice your evacuation plan, including how to safely transport pets.
Prepare a pet emergency kit with food, water, leash, and medications.
By joining the Great Utah ShakeOut, we can all strengthen our readiness and resilience. To sign up and learn more, visit www.shakeout.org/utah/ and follow @BeReadySLC for more tips and updates.
