Media contact: Sarah Martin
Regional Communications Manager
sarah.martin5@redcross.org | 951-432-9625
SALT LAKE CITY (July 13, 2023) — Utah’s hot, dry summer has made the start to wildfire season a dangerous one with multiple wildfire starts over the past few days. The American Red Cross of Utah is teaming up with the Salt Lake City Fire Department to warn Utahns of the danger and offer prevention and safety tips.
“We know from experience that a wildfire started by accident can burn into a dangerous and life-threatening situation,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “By taking the time to prepare your home, check your vehicles, and make an emergency kit, your family can be prepared for whatever the hot summer weather brings.”
Recreational activities like off-roading, shooting, and camping are common ways wildfire start. “The majority of wildfires are started by people, generally by accident, but these fires put people, homes and firefighters at risk,” said Salt Lake City Fire Chief Karl Lieb. “The wet winter has created more grass and shrubs that can be fuel for wildfires. It is everyone’s responsibility to help prevent these fires.”
Keep your family safe and your fun harmless with these prevention tips:
Tips for Recreational Vehicles
• Secure trailer chains to make sure they don't drag and spark a fire.
• Don't park a hot car or recreational vehicle in dry grass.
• Tractors, off-roading vehicles, and other equipment must have spark arrestors.
Tips for Camping
• Make sure your fire is completely out before walking away. Feel it with the back of your hand to make sure it's cool.
• Never leave your fire unattended.
• Only start a fire in an approved firepit or cleared ground, paying attention to local fire restrictions.
• Don't start a fire on a windy day and always have water or an extinguisher nearby.
Tips for Shooting
• Aim away from dry grass and rock to prevent wildfires.
• Place targets away from rock backstops, which can cause ricochets and sparks.
• Exploding targets and tracer rounds can cause sparks and are never allowed on public lands and national parks.
At home, Chief Lieb recommends 30 feet of Defensible Space around your house. Vegetation should be trimmed and well-maintained, any dead vegetation should be cleared away, and any other flammable material like lumber or garbage should be moved at least 30 feet away from your home. “The vegetation around your home will light first, so give yourself a clear space buffer to protect your structure from those flames.”
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.