HB 48 Public Meeting Information
Overview
House Bill 48 (HB 48), titled “Wildland Urban Interface Modifications,” was passed during the 2025 General Legislative Session in Utah. HB 48’s primary intent is to increase awareness of wildfire risk and encourage property owners to share the responsibility of reducing that risk in the wildland urban interface (WUI). The bill implements individual lot assessments in the high-risk WUI area that will provide risk mitigation strategies to property owners. A property fee will help support these assessments.
This bill also mandates property insurers to use the State’s high-risk boundary when evaluating a property for wildfire risk and if raising rates by 20% or more or dropping coverage, to provide justification, if the adjustment is appealed by the property owner.
General Questions
What is HB 48? HB 48 is a Utah law aimed at mitigating wildfire risks in areas where homes and wildland meet (the WUI). It introduces:
- Homeowner education
- Lot (triage) assessments
- Risk-based fees
- Defensible space and home-hardening requirements
Why was HB 48 introduced? Due to the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, HB 48 was created to proactively protect communities and increase awareness of wildfire risk in the WUI.
When did HB 48 become law? March 3, 2025.
When does it take effect? January 1, 2026.
Where can I read the bill? Visit the Utah Legislature’s Website.
Who can I contact with questions? Contact the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands.
Definitions & Scope
What is the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)? Areas where development meets or intermingles with wildland. These zones are more prone to wildfires and require specific safety measures and mitigation strategies.
How is the High-Risk WUI boundary defined? FFSL is currently developing a new high-risk WUI boundary, which considers:
- Proximity to wildland vegetation
- Wildfire likelihood and intensity of potential wildfire in the area
- Ember travel risk
- Distance to other structures
Individual lot assessments will offer a more accurate picture by evaluating conditions directly on the ground.
WUI Zone vs. High-Risk WUI Boundary
Are USFS/BLM lands included? The model considers surrounding vegetation and topography (fuelscape), which includes adjacent public lands.
Roles & Responsibilities
Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands
- Creates the high-risk WUI map
- Sets the fees for structures in the high-risk WUI
- Sets triage standards for lot assessments
- Develops administrative rules
- Maintains the UWRAP portal and database which is where the high-risk boundary will be viewable when it is finalized, beginning January 1, 2026.
- Conducts lot assessments as requested by property owners
Counties
- Collect fees based on statewide assessment of high-risk WUI properties.
- Adopt/enforce the WUI Code
- Define and map local WUI zones
- Conduct mitigation or lot assessments (if agreed to with the state)
Cities
- Adopt/enforce the WUI Code
- Define and map local WUI zones in coordination with counties
Homeowners
- Understand and mitigate wildfire risk
- Create defensible space
- Harden homes against wildfire
Fees & Assessments
What is the fee?
- 2026–2027: Flat fee based on square footage of structures for all properties
- 2028 onward: Fee based on triage assessment and square footage of structure size.
Can I opt out of the assessment? Yes. However, you will be charged the highest fee and considered to be at the highest risk. Alternatively, you may hire a certified private assessor certified by FFSL standards. Assessments are not legally required.
Can I appeal the fee? Yes. The appeals process will be defined in administrative rules.
What is the fee used for? Fees go into the Utah Wildfire Fund to:
- Cover the costs of implementing this law, primarily the costs associated with performing lot assessments
Will the fee cover all wildfire suppression costs? No. Refer to the “What is the fee used for?” question.
Assessments & Risk Reduction
What is a triage score? A wildfire risk score based on:
- Vegetation within the defensible space area of the structure
- Construction elements that impact survivability during a wildfire
How can homeowners reduce their fees?
- Complete mitigation actions specified in their lot assessment
- Use fire-resistant materials and techniques
I had an assessment done before. Can I use it? No. Only assessments by certified assessors under FFSL’s standards will be valid.
Is training available before the 2026 deadline? Yes. Firewise USA offers guidance. Official standards and training are under development.
Insurance & Impacts
How will this affect insurance? HB 48 requires:
- Insurers to use the new high-risk WUI Boundary that is under development
- Disclosure when premiums rise >20% or coverage is discontinued
- Sharing of triage data with insurers and homeowners
Preparedness Checklist
Assess Your Risk
- Check your risk: wildfirerisk.utah.gov. The high-risk boundary will be viewable here when it is finalized, beginning January 1, 2026.
- Visit Firewise.org for homeowner mitigation steps
Protect Your Home
- Use fire-resistant materials
- Create defensible space
- Maintain roofs, gutters, and landscape
Lower Your Costs
- Complete mitigation recommendations
- Keep triage score low
- Review insurance annually
Stay Ready
- Make an evacuation plan
- Sign up for alerts
- Attend fire safety events
Additional FAQs
Who pays for home mitigation or hardening? The homeowner. Some grants may become available in the future.
Is there a grant program in HB 48? No, not currently.
How will homeowners be informed? Through public outreach, a dedicated website (in development), and local governments.
Can fire departments participate in triage training? Yes, once standards are finalized.
Are Fire Districts responsible for informing councils? Yes. Districts should engage with city councils to ensure WUI Code adoption by Jan 1, 2026.
What buildings are included? All structures within the high-risk WUI boundary.
What is the Utah WUI Code? Fire safety building and landscaping standards for WUI areas. Must be adopted and enforced by cities/counties by Jan 1, 2026.