Wildfire Community Preparedness

The wildland-urban interface (WUI) is commonly described as the zone where structures and other human development meet and intermignle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels. This WUI zone poses tremendous risks to life, property, and infrastructure in associated communities and is one of the most dangerous and complicated situations firefighters face.

The safety of the citizens of any community is a shared responsibility between the citizens; the owner, developer, or association; and the local, county, state, and federal governments. The primary responsibility, however, remains at the citizen/owner and association level. Homeowners and property owners can find a wide variety of information on how to prepare your homes, property, and lives for wildfire on this website. Follow the links to the left to discover the educational tools specific to Utah.

Wildfire Urban Interface Photo

The following have increased the WUI wildfire risk:

  • Desire to live in a secluded area surrounded by natural vegetation without defensible space
  • Homes are built of flammable materials (wood siding, shakes and patios)
  • Fire equipment is hampered from protecting an area because of long, narrow, winding, or steep driveways
  • Distance from fire departments
  • One ingress and egress road in subdivisions and some communities
  • Misperception that fire protection in rural areas is equal to urban fire protection services
  • Inadequate water supply
  • Poor signage and access to residences
  • No hazard planning for evacuation and no early warning systems
  • Utility service lines and propane tanks

National Community Preparedness Programs

For more information on terminology and ideas, check out the Wildland Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Desk Reference Guide