Time to prepare for the threat of wild fires. Park City is a wildland interface community, which allows for amazing access to local wilderness recreation activities and requires residents to prevent the spread of potential wildfires. We can participate in this prevention by making our homes defensible space ready. Most preparations can be done with garden glove, a rake, clippers and a lawnmower. Be prepared to use a chainsaw or hire someone to remove larger branches or questionable/dead trees.
Prepare your home and land
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Clean debris from roof and gutters
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Move any flammable material away from house (i.e. wood piles, leaves, pine needles)
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Remove things stored under porches or decks
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Keep grass and plants clear and low near propane tanks and outbuildings
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Mow lawn to keep grass at 4 inches
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Prune and trim tree branches (6-10ft) to eliminate ladder fuel and prevent fire climbing
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Remove small conifer trees growing between mature trees
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Clear dead branches and vegetation from yard 200 feet from house.
Verisk’s 2017 Wildfire Risk Analysis estimates 4.5 million U.S. homes are at high or extreme risk of wildfire. In 2017, there were 71,499 wildfires, compared to 65,575 wildfires in the same period in 2016, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. About 10 million acres were burned in the 2017 period, compared with 5.4 million in 2016, this was also higher than the 10-year average.
Be wise during the warm dry months this year. Keep a clear yard and safe home.
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