2 weeks Ago By McKenzie Diaz
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) -- As the weather warms up and wildfire season approaches, Terree Kay feels more prepared than ever before in the High Country Estates Phase One Community, “We were able to change it to a cement fiber board with a fire-rated undershooting along with a house wrap that is taped instead of stapled to the siding, and then had it painted," Kay said.Recently, she hardened her house and limbed the trees around so that potential fires could move below their trees.Utahns express concerns over potential impacts of ‘SAVE Act’ on women voters“We take our leaves up -- I have six packs so far --- we take out of the rain gutters in case bad winds come around with the fire,” Kay said.
For nearly 16 years, she's lived in fear that a wildfire would destroy her home.“When we moved in our house, this was always a fear of ours that something would happen,” Kay said.She says the property was heavily rooted with dead trees: “Some of the boards were warped and you could see there was damage to the logs.
"Over at the Herriman Fire Department, Captain Matt Call shares what to do as the weather gets drier. He said most wildland fires start from ember spread.“The easiest way to convey the mindset is if I walked around and threw matches all over your yard.
If it's not, then you're probably good, but if it is, then start looking at those things,” Call said.Call says to stay ahead of the fires.“We suggest a 10-30 foot buffer between you and any fuels at the minute,” Call said.
He continued: “Start looking close to your house and then outward and you want to work on your property and start what's up against your house, the cleaner and tidier your yard can be and free from flammables and what fuels do you have against the home that you're willing to clean up."Kay advised others to protect their houses to help out firefighters and reduce the spread of fire: "You need to be safe and cautious and aware of your surroundings so you can make it better and survive a wildfire."Visit the Utah Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal to learn more about how to understand and identify your wildfire risk.
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