Cottonwood Heights and Holladay have implemented new wildfire protections this summer as Utah experiences its worst wildfire season in eight years. Measures taken by the two areas include banning fireworks, adopting wildfire building codes, and deploying fuel mitigation crews.
The increased focus on fire safety comes as Utah records its most significant wildfire season since 2018. In Cottonwood Heights, city council members were scheduled to tour Fire Station 110 on Tuesday, July 28. This facility faces potential reductions in firefighter staffing if a proposed 42% property tax increase is not approved at a public hearing on August 11.
The heightened wildfire risk coincides with other local concerns, including a national blood crisis declared by the American Red Cross. With Type O positive supplies below a one-day reserve, nearly 45 Utah hospitals are at risk. Residents in Cottonwood Heights and Holladay can donate at the Murray center through Friday, July 31, to receive a free movie ticket.
As the wildfire season continues, local school districts are also preparing for the upcoming year. Granite School District in Holladay is scheduled to start classes on Wednesday, August 12, while Canyons School District in Cottonwood Heights will begin on Monday, August 17.
