Dammeron Valley, Utah - Homeowners in Washington County are facing increased insurance premiums and challenges with coverage due to newly released wildfire risk maps from the state of Utah. These maps categorize various neighborhoods, including Dammeron Valley, as high-risk zones for wildfires. The updated maps, known as the High-Risk Wildland Urban Interface, were issued by the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands, following legislative approval. Areas marked in red indicate a structure risk score of 7 or 8 out of 8, with at least two structures within an 820-foot radius. The mapping process has raised concerns among residents regarding the fairness of the assessments. Jamie Barnes, the director of the Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands, defended the methodology, stating that the maps have been updated annually for a decade. Under the new law, insurance companies are required to use these state maps for their assessments. Barnes emphasized the importance of identifying high-risk areas, citing last summer's Forsyth Fire, which resulted in the destruction of 14 homes in Pine Valley, located northeast of Dammeron Valley. The state has also established an appeals process for property owners who believe their risk designation is incorrect. Residents have expressed frustration over what they perceive as broad assessments. Concerns have been raised about financial implications, with homeowners worried about how the new maps will affect insurance rates. For instance, Tom Mertz, whose home is just outside the red zone, reported that his insurance company increased his rates due to proximity to open spaces. Furthermore, reports indicate that residents in areas near open land are facing similar challenges. Many believe that their properties should be evaluated based on specific conditions rather than generalized assessments. The Desert Canyons neighborhood illustrates this complexity, as it features expensive homes adjacent to open land. The state aims to standardize wildfire risk assessments while allowing property owners the opportunity to appeal their designations through the established process.