Wildfire News & Mitigation
We are incredibly fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful towns in the country, but with that beauty comes a serious wildfire risk. Over 80% of Hideout is currently at a high-risk for wildfires according to the Wild Urban Interface (WUI) maps.
But there are proven strategies to reduce our exposure to the threat of wildfire, and the Town of Hideout and Hideout’s Wildfire Committee are helping residents and property owners mitigate these risks. It is essential we work together as a community; taking action to mitigate wildfire risk protects our own safety, as well as that of our family members and neighbors.
A marked increase in development and human activity in our forested areas and climate change make our fire seasons longer, hotter and drier, and increase the potential for large, high-intensity wildfires that threaten our homes and safety. Below is a list of ways to mitigate these risks.
READY
Free home-safety inspections are offered by the Wasatch Fire District. Inspectors review your property with you and provide wildfire mitigation recommendations. Residents who’ve made home-hardening upgrades—like maintaining defensible space and installing ember-safe vents—have both improved safety and lowered insurance costs.
In late 2025, the Town passed the Hideout Wildfire Ordinance (25-O-11) to further mitigate risks and maintain insurance affordability by establishing requirements for defensible space—including prohibitions on combustible plants and groundcover within 5 feet of structures, and trees within 10 feet.
- Learn about defensible space and seasonal home-hardening strategies against wildfires.
- Schedule a free home hazard assessment with the Wasatch Fire District.
- Utilize Wasatch Fire’s fuels reduction/chipping program (back online in May)
- Sign up for Wasatch County’s Emergency notification systems.
- Download the Watch Duty app which alerts you of nearby wildfires in real time.
SET
Get your emergency supply kit ready well before any wildfires arise. Make sure it’s accessible for quick evacuation and prepare for the possibility of being away from home for a while.
Your ‘Go Bag’ should be easy to carry and access. Use backpacks to store items like essentials and personal documents. For food and water, consider a wheeled tub or chest for easier transport. Keep your bag light enough for comfortable lifting into your vehicle.
- Plan ahead by preparing a communication and evacuation plan for your family and pets.
- Download an emergency supply checklist.
- Prepare a to-go bag in advance.
- Create a video/inventory list of home contents.
GO
Following your action plan not only makes you prepared, but helps firefighters best respond to a wildland fire, which strengthens both yours and their safety.
Immediate actions
- Leave immediately if ordered or unsafe.
- Notify contact person of safety status.
- Grab your go-kit and pets.
- Turn on headlights and tune to KWPC 91.7FM.
- If trapped, stay in a building or vehicle.
- Follow designated evacuation routes unless unsafe or if instructed otherwise by public safety officials.
If time permits
- Tape a note to your front door indicating you have evacuated (include contact info).
- Shut all windows and doors; leave inside and outside lights on.
- Shut off HVAC / ceiling fans, propane and irrigation.
- Unlock or prop open gates.