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The national database of state and local wildfire hazard mitigation programs
serves as a clearinghouse of information about nonfederal policies and
programs that seek to reduce the risk of loss of life and property through
the reduction of hazardous fuels on private lands. If
you would like to submit a program to the national wildfire programs database,
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Title: |
Utah model fire protection code
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Type: |
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Jurisdiction: |
State
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State: |
Utah
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Program Description: |
Introduction
The state of Utah, DNR, Division of State Lands and Forests has developed a wildfire hazard severity scale and classification scheme, as well as model fire protection code. The State encourages the adoption of the State model policies by local governing authorities to reduce wildfire risk in wildland subdivisions. More specifically, the State recommends that each proposed wildland subdivision be classified according to its relative wildfire hazard severity and that ordinances and codes be adopted based on the classification system the model provides.
Wildfire Hazard Severity Scale
The wildfire hazard severity scale uses a point system, from 1 and increasing to 5 with increasing hazard severity, for individual factors that contribute to wildfire vulnerability. These factors are slope, aspect, weather, fire department response time, and vegetation type. Three classifications are assigned for the cumulative rating for three ranges of scores: 5 to 11 points, 12 to 18 points, and 19 to 25 points; the classifications are moderate, high, and extreme, respectively.
Model Code for Vegetation Manipulations
Fuel Breaks
Flammable native vegetation within 50 feet of structures and 75 feet of the subdivision perimeter shall be removed. Fire-resistant vegetation will be planted in the fuel breaks to prevent erosion. In steep terrain, cleared or excavated slopes must be stabilized. Fuel breaks must be maintained annually by property owners, just prior to the fire season in June. Fuel breaks may contain individual tree specimens, groundcover, or ornamental plants.
Fuel breaks around the perimeter of the subdivision should be dedicated to this purpose by recording the land as common to the development. The development or local governing authority will maintain these fuel breaks.
Lot Size
Lots will be at least one-half acre in size to permit adequate fuel breaks around structures. Structures will be placed within lots so that fuel breaks are adequate on all sides. Minimum lot size and fuel break width will increase with slope.
Other Fuels Treatments
A 15-foot area of removed vegetation is required around chimneys, stovepipes and outdoor fireplaces. Trees must be pruned to a height of 16 feet, if the trees are over 35 feet tall, if height is less, the lower half of the trees should be pruned. All trees left in fuel breaks should be maintained free of dead or dying wood. All removed vegetation should be chipped, buried, or removed.
Performance Requirements
The developer must post a bond guaranteeing that the provisions of the ordinance will be adhered to. The amount of the bond will equal to the cost of providing the required improvements.
Contact Information
For more information, contact Dale Jablonski at 435-781-5463 or, via email at [email protected].
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