Utah’s hot, dry summers can leave grass, leaves, and other vegetation ready to burn. Wind can also carry embers well beyond the main fire. That means wildfire preparation is useful even for homeowners who do not live directly against a forest or open hillside.
You cannot remove every risk, but regular maintenance can make it harder for embers and flames to reach your home. Start with the areas closest to the structure, then work outward.
Begin with the Roof and Gutters
Windblown embers often land on roofs, in gutters, and in small corners where dry debris collects. Keep roof surfaces and gutters clear of leaves, needles, twigs, and seed pods. Inspect the roof for loose or missing material, and have damaged areas repaired by a qualified professional.
Pay attention to roof valleys, skylights, vents, and places where a roof meets a wall. These areas can trap debris. Metal screening over appropriate vents may help reduce ember entry, but vent changes should be selected and installed correctly so the home still ventilates as intended.
Keep the Area Next to the Home Clean
The first few feet around a house deserve special attention because anything that burns there can expose siding, windows, eaves, and doors to heat or flame. Remove dead plants, fallen leaves, pine needles, and other combustible debris from the base of exterior walls.
Move firewood, cardboard, spare lumber, fuel containers, and other combustible items away from the house. Do the same under decks and exterior stairs. During periods of elevated fire danger, avoid leaving patio cushions, doormats, or similar items outside if they can be stored safely indoors.
Maintain Trees and Landscaping
Healthy, well-maintained landscaping can help slow a fire’s path. Remove dead branches and plants, keep grasses and weeds trimmed, and avoid continuous lines of vegetation that lead directly to the home. Prune tree branches away from roofs and chimneys, using a qualified tree professional when the work is high or near utility lines.
Spacing and plant choices should fit the slope, lot, and local conditions. Steep ground and dense vegetation can require more attention than a flat, open yard. Check local fire authority or community wildfire guidance before making major landscaping changes.
A simple weekend checklist includes:
- Rake dry leaves and needles from the yard and along fences.
- Remove dead material from shrubs and garden beds.
- Trim grass and weeds while conditions are cool and safe for equipment use.
- Water and maintain plants according to local restrictions and good landscaping practices.
- Dispose of yard waste as your community directs rather than leaving piles on the property.
Check Decks, Fences, and Outbuildings
Decks, fences, sheds, and detached garages can create a path toward the house. Clear debris from deck boards and from underneath raised decks. Inspect wood fencing where it connects to the home, and keep nearby vegetation trimmed.
Store propane cylinders, gasoline, paint products, and similar materials safely and according to their labels. Keep them away from heat and ignition sources. Do not make last-minute fuel-storage changes during an active fire; follow instructions from local officials.
Make the Property Easier for Responders to Find
Visible address numbers can save time in an emergency. Make sure your house number can be read from the street in daylight and at night. Keep driveways and access routes clear of low branches, parked equipment, or other obstacles, while following local requirements for access and vegetation management.
If your neighborhood has a community wildfire-preparedness program, learn how alerts and evacuation notices are shared. Planning with neighbors can be especially helpful for residents who may need assistance leaving quickly.
Prepare Before an Evacuation Notice
A wildfire is not the time to decide what to take or where to go. Create a household evacuation plan with more than one route when possible. Include pets, medications, mobility needs, school or work schedules, and a meeting place outside the area.
Keep a go-kit where it is easy to reach. Useful items may include:
- Water, shelf-stable food, and basic first-aid supplies.
- Prescription medicines and copies of important information.
- Phone chargers, flashlights, and spare batteries.
- N95-style masks for smoke and airborne particles.
- Pet carriers, leashes, food, and vaccination information.
If officials tell you to evacuate, leave promptly and follow the recommended route. Conditions can change quickly, and delaying can put your household and emergency responders at greater risk.
Update Your Home Inventory and Insurance Review
A home inventory can make it easier to remember what you own after a loss. Walk through each room and record a simple video, then save a copy somewhere you can access if your phone or computer is damaged. Photograph higher-value items and keep receipts, serial numbers, or appraisals when available.
Review your homeowners insurance before fire is nearby. Ask how your policy addresses the dwelling, other structures, personal property, additional living expenses, deductibles, and any limits or exclusions that may apply. Rebuilding costs and household contents can change over time, so a periodic review is worthwhile. Coverage varies, and only your policy and insurer can determine how a specific claim would be handled.
A Little Work Now Can Reduce Risk
Wildfire preparation is not a one-time project. A clean gutter today can fill again after a windy week, and vegetation continues to grow. Add these tasks to your summer home-maintenance routine and revisit them whenever dry, windy conditions return.
ASA Insurance has helped Utah homeowners compare insurance options and make informed coverage decisions for more than 70 years. Contact ASA Insurance if you would like help reviewing your homeowners policy or discussing questions about protecting your Salt Lake City-area home.
