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After recent foothill blaze, North Ogden adopts Community Wildfire Protection Plan and residents press for trail enforcement
Summary
Council unanimously approved the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). Residents raised concerns about motorized vehicles on foothill trails after a recent fire; staff and council described limits on city authority when private property is involved and outlined mitigation steps.
The North Ogden City Council unanimously approved the city’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), authorizing a package of mitigation and preparedness measures intended to make state wildfire response eligible for cost-sharing.
Council member and assistant fire chief Ryan Barker presented the CWPP, explaining that participation in the plan helps the city access state resources and cost-sharing if a wildfire occurs. He said the plan identifies high-risk areas on the east bench, including the area recently affected by a fire, and recommends mitigation work such as chipper days and homeowner outreach.
Residents at the meeting urged stronger enforcement of city ordinances that bar motorized vehicles on certain foothill trails. Heidi Bradley, a resident who lives roughly 200 meters from the recent fire, told the council she has observed off-road vehicles on trails despite signs and said firefighters had reported having to remove people from the area during the response. Bill Swanson, another resident, praised the emergency operations center and mutual aid during the blaze and asked whether the council would publish its policy discussion on potential tax increases before public comment on the tax hearing.
Council members and staff explained enforcement limits: council and police said the city cannot close or post trespass signs on private property and can only enforce the city’s motorized-vehicle ordinance when officers catch violations. Staff urged residents to coordinate with private property owners willing to install gates or posts and said the city can assist but cannot pay for private fencing on non-city land.
Barker said the CWPP also calls for prevention outreach and neighborhood chipper days; the plan includes proposed mitigation work and purchase of equipment. Council member Barker moved to approve the Community Wildfire Protection Plan; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Council and staff said they will coordinate mitigation events and outreach to property owners in high-risk areas.
