SALT LAKE CITY – With wildfire season in full swing, protecting your home is critical. Wildfires can start anywhere there is fuel to feed them, so it's imperative that you prepare your home and neighborhood.

Once wildfires start, they can spread with the help of dead leaves, fallen trees, dead branches and tall grass.

These should all be removed, especially from the perimeter of your home, said North Tooele Fire District spokesman Jon Smith.

It is also important to remove highly hazardous materials if you store them near your home.

“Do you keep propane tanks near the garage, or is your grill next to the house? If you do those things, you might want to space them out a little bit this time of year. Keep them away from the structure of your house,” Smith said.

Contact your local fire department

Smith says it's a good idea to stay informed and follow your nearest fire department on social media.

Reverse 911 calls will notify you of any fires in your area and whether you need to evacuate.

And to save time in an emergency, Smith recommends keeping a bag of essentials nearby. This can hold medications and important documents in case of an evacuation.

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