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Council briefs residents on wildfire bills, seeks volunteers to continue Firewise Day
Summary
Council Member Catherine Harris summarized two state bills (HB48 and HB41) affecting wildfire fees and building standards and urged residents to attend a future informational town hall; the council also asked for volunteers to sustain the community's Firewise Day activities.
Emigration Canyon — At the Feb. 17 city council meeting, Council Member Catherine Harris told residents the state legislature is advancing wildfire measures that will affect property‑level mitigation and construction standards in the canyon.
Harris said House Bill 48 would apply a three‑year fee tied to maps from the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands that designate many canyon properties as high‑risk wildfire areas; the fee’s application will depend on property‑level hazard reductions the state may allow to lower costs in future years. "Many residents are upset about the length of the fee period and other aspects of the proposal," Harris said, noting the city has no authority to change state mandates.
Harris also described House Bill 41, which would allow municipalities to update Wildland‑Urban Interface building standards from the 2006 International WUI Code to the 2024 version, strengthening requirements for new construction. She said the bill had passed out of committee and was likely to advance.
Outreach and education: Harris said she had discussed holding a public educational meeting or town hall with UFA leadership so residents could better understand the bills’ implications; UFA officials offered to present after the legislative session concludes to ensure final provisions are known.
Community mitigation and volunteers: The council noted Emigration Canyon has been a recognized Firewise community for over 20 years and that Firewise Day traditionally included demonstrations and a pancake breakfast. Harris said the prior organizer moved away and solicited volunteers via a CodeRED or community email; Council Member Nicholas Griffith volunteered to help.
What’s next: The council agreed to pursue outreach and a town‑hall presentation after the legislature finalizes any changes; no formal municipal action on the bills occurred at the meeting.
