Fire officials plan a campaign to reduce vegetation around summer homes, increasing the chances for the buildings to survive wildfires.
A fuels hazard management standard will be sent to all special-use permit holders in the Uinta and Wasatch-Cache National Forests, the Forest Service said in a news release Monday.The standards include thinning conifers within 30 feet of structures and removing conifers within 10 feet. Trees also will be removed as needed to provide access for fire engines.
Tree branches should be more than 10 feet from structures and not hang over the roof.
Ground within 30 feet of structures will be cleared of slash, brush, leaves and fine woody fuels. Grass will be maintained at a length less than 6 inches.
Dead trees will be removed.
Electrical wires must be clear of trees and limbs.
Vegetation must be at least 10 feet from propane tanks.
The agency said self-inspection forms will be sent to owners, and those who do not return the forms may be inspected by fire officers.