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Wildfire Mitigation

Our Proactive Approach

Brighton is taking proactive steps to mitigate wildfire risk in the canyon. Our efforts are guided by the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (DOCX 185KB). This document outlines specific fire hazards, prioritizes risk-reduction strategies, and guides our partnerships with external partners:

Rocky Mountain Power: We have partnered with RMP to move electric lines underground, improving system resiliency and minimizing wildfire risk from downed power lines.

US Forest Service: We work directly with the Forest Service on fuel reduction projects, clearing dead and overgrown vegetation to create fuel breaks and reduce fire intensity.

Unified Fire Authority (UFA): As our fire service provider, the town works closely with UFA on a range of mitigation efforts, including public education and emergency response preparedness.

We also encourage our homeowners to be proactive by creating “defensible space” around their homes, using fire-resistant materials in construction, and outreach and education to residents and visitors (e.g. “Chipper Days” FireWise fuel mitigation).

At the state level Utah House Bill 48 takes effect on January 1, 2026, and will require homeowners in high-risk areas to pay an annual fee to fund on-the-ground assessments that encourage fire-proofing homes. 

The Harsh Reality

While all of these efforts are helpful (we can never have too much fire mitigation efforts), there are unavoidable local and regional trends working against us.

Local Factors:

  • High-Risk Rating: The Calculated Priority Risk Index (an assessment tool for evaluating and prioritizing risks) has given Brighton a “4, Highly Likely” rating for future wildfire events, the highest possible score.
  • Fuel Buildup: Despite our efforts, there is still too much wildfire fuel in the canyons.
  • Rising Insurance Costs: Insurance rates in Brighton are expected to rise as wildfire risk increases.
  • The Great Salt Lake: Dust from the drying Great Salt Lake is settling on our snowpack, causing it to melt days and weeks earlier, extending our fire season.

Regional Trends:

  • Hotter, Drier Conditions: Utah has warmed at twice the global average rate over the past 50 years.
  • Shrinking Snowpack: Warmer winters mean higher rain/snow lines and more precipitation falling as rain instead of snow.
  • More Intense Fires: Wildfire seasons are longer and more severe, with extreme fire behavior fueled by these hotter, drier conditions.

This isn’t intended to be alarmist or fear mongering –  it’s reality. Communities across the Mountain West have been devastated by wildfire, and Brighton must stay vigilant. The Mayor and Town Council are obligated to continue to mitigate, educate, and prepare for the possibility of wildfire.

Something to add? Please let me know.