Vernal City Council made what appeared to be a no brainer decision during Wednesday’s City Council meeting with the approval of a cooperative agreement concerning wildfire protection. Mike Eriksson with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands addressed the council and explained that state funding is available to cover the cost of wildland fires in Vernal City limits. The City’s cost for the coverage is a mere $144 dollars a year and 100 percent of wildfire damage and costs would be covered. Eriksson explained that every city pays a different amount depending on risk of fire. Some cities pay upwards of $50,000 a year. Eriksson also explained that the main requirement is that the city perform a match to the funding in fire prevention efforts such as mowing fields or mailing out fire prevention information to citizens. City Manager Ken Bassett emphasized that the cost is extremely minimal when considering the great benefits if a fire were to occur. The Council agreed and approved the cooperative agreement.
