Utah is currently facing a heightened wildfire threat due to erratic weather conditions, particularly impacting regions in both Utah and Arizona. Residents are urged to assess if their homes are at risk and to understand how they can be proactive.
Areas such as Eggett Park in Bountiful have been identified as having a very high risk for wildfires. A visit to this park reveals dry grass several inches high, abundant dry brush, and many dead trees, all of which contribute to the fire hazard.
In response to these growing concerns, Diamond Tree Experts have partnered with the City of Bountiful to create fire breaks around homes adjacent to dangerous areas like Eggett Park. Crew member Aaron Orfanos highlights that dead trees pose a significant problem, easily igniting due to their dry conditions.
This work marks the third park this season for the team, which still has about a week of work left. Orfanos notes they have been clearing a ten-foot section along the fence line to mitigate risks posed by dead trees and low-hanging branches.
According to the latest data from the state’s forestry department, the foothills around Bountiful are at a very high wildfire risk. Similar assessments indicate that the foothills near Alpine, Draper, and Millcreek also face significant dangers, while areas like Park City maintain a moderate risk and small towns, such as Bullfrog, have a lower risk level.
Jamie Barnes, the State Forester, emphasizes that even lower-risk areas can still face dangers and encourages homeowners statewide to take measures to create defensible spaces around their properties. To improve risk assessments, the Department of Natural Resources is working on updating their maps to reflect data at a more localized, parcel level. This updated risk portal map is slated for launch in 2026.
For homeowners eager to understand the specific wildfire risk to their properties, they can contact the division for a lot assessment as they await the new mapping updates. Currently, an estimated 80,000 homes in Utah fall within high-risk boundaries, underscoring the importance of awareness and preparedness in the face of this threatening natural hazard.
This proactive approach and the commitment to provide clearer guidance in the future reflect a hopeful direction for mitigating wildfire risks in Utah.