Draper Fire Marshal urges residents to create defensible space for wildfire protection

In a recent meeting focused on wildfire safety, Draper City Fire Marshal Don Buckley emphasized the critical importance of creating a defensible space around homes to protect against wildfires. Buckley addressed community concerns about wildfire preparedness, highlighting that homeowners play a vital role in safeguarding their properties.

Buckley explained that maintaining a clearance of 0 to 5 feet around homes is essential, along with a defensible space extending from 5 to 30 feet. This buffer zone is crucial for preventing fires from spreading to residences, especially during wildfire events when embers can travel significant distances and ignite dry materials, such as mulch in gardens.

The Fire Marshal pointed out that during a wildfire, fire departments are often overwhelmed and lack the resources to establish defensible spaces around individual homes. Instead, he urged residents to take proactive measures year-round to prepare their properties. By doing so, homeowners not only protect their own homes but also assist firefighters in their efforts to combat wildfires effectively.

The discussion underscored the community's responsibility in wildfire prevention and the need for ongoing education about fire safety practices. As wildfires become an increasing threat in many regions, the insights shared by Buckley serve as a reminder of the collective effort required to enhance safety and resilience in the face of natural disasters.