Teton Valley Emergency Responders to host Wildland Fire Preparedness Event
Teton Valley Emergency Responders to host Wildland Fire Preparedness Event
Local community invited to join effort in reducing wildfire risk across Teton County on May 3, 2025
TETON VALLEY, Idaho, April 15, 2025 – As the snowpack in the lower elevations begins to recede and with summer right around the corner, it is critical to ensure your home and family are prepared in the event of a wildfire.
The Teton Valley Community Wildfire Preparedness event is a collaborative effort of local, state, and federal firefighting agencies; Teton County Fire and Rescue, Teton County Emergency Management, The Nature Conservancy - Fire Learning Network, the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and other partners. This event encourages residents of Teton Valley to prepare their homes and families for a wildfire by anticipating changing weather conditions, taking precautions on dry windy days and knowing how to evacuate quickly when asked by emergency responders.
Many residents living in high-risk wildfire areas want to take steps to increase their fire safety but are unsure about how to start the process. They can find the information they need to accomplish wildfire risk reduction projects around their home and within their community May 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Driggs City Plaza in Driggs, Idaho.
Through this free educational event, residents of Teton Valley can learn more about the importance of wildfire preparedness and planning, defensible space and how to get a home ignition zone evaluation. Additional activities include a visit from Smokey Bear, wildland fire trucks and free hot dogs and hamburgers, while they last.
Here are some actions residents can take to reduce the risk of homes and property becoming fuel for wildfire:
· Clear needles, leaves and other debris from roofs, gutters, porches, and decks.
· Remove all flammable outdoor items from decks and porches (cushions, door mats, and portable propane tanks).
· Firewood piles can ignite from wildfire embers and then ignite your home. Keep piles at least 30 feet away from buildings.