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Council discusses roadside fuels reduction to lower wildfire risk; will seek county assistance
Summary
Citing wildfire-start statistics near roads, council members agreed to pursue roadside mowing/weed-whacking and to contact county public-works crews about prioritizing a fuels-reduction sweep along the main canyon road.
Council member Harris proposed targeted roadside fuels reduction along the main Emigration Canyon Road, saying a large share of wildland fires begin near roadways and that a 3'4-foot mowed swath can reduce flame heights and give firefighters more time.
"A little over 85% of wildland fires, particularly brush fires, start within 0.5 a mile of a road," Council member Harris said, urging quick action. Members discussed whether county public-works crews could be asked to perform the work, the cost of private contractors and whether the city must issue an RFP if costs exceed procurement thresholds. Several members noted previous local trimming that looked like a perfect swath and agreed the county crew is often the first choice for speed and training.
The council asked staff to reach out to county operations to request prioritization and, if county resources are unavailable within a reasonable timeframe, to consider private contractors; Council member Harris volunteered to coordinate initial contacts.
