Wildfire News & Mitigation

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.

 

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.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Regional Links

Articles & Videos

Wildfire Products

While the Town of Hideout and the Wildfire Committee do not endorse any of these companies or products, we wanted to bring these newer technologies to your attention for further research. Apex Fire Preparedness and Frontline Wildfire Defense also perform wildfire hazard assessments.

CONTACTS  

As always, in case of an emergency, call 911.

Please email wildfire@hideoututah.gov if you’re interested in joining our committee’s effort as we are actively recruiting community participation.

The Hideout Wildfire Committee includes Mayor Ralph Severini, Lauren Major, Jonathan Gunn, Steve Allen, representatives from Hideout HOAs and the Wasatch Fire Department – Chief Eric Hales, Assistant Chief, Clint Neerings, and Battalion Chief Troy Morgan. 

Wasatch Fire District – (435) 940-9636 https://wasatchcountyfire.com/contact

Wasatch Emergency Management – (435) 657-3544 – EM@wasatch.utah.gov