Firefighters and Homeowners to Participate in All Fire Day Training

May 26, 2009
09-34
Teton interagency firefighters will start the wildland fire season with an integrated fire training exercise on Saturday, June 6. About 200 firefighters from Teton, Sublette and Lincoln counties, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, the National Elk Refuge, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Wyoming State Forestry Division will gather at Star Valley Ranch for the 11th annual All Fire Day. Star Valley Ranch residents are also participating this year, along with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department, Star Valley Search and Rescue, and Star Valley Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

During All Fire Day, firefighters will work through a variety of drills, structure assessments and live fire exercises. Homeowners at Star Valley Ranch will have the opportunity to participate in a mock evacuation and learn the steps to take in protecting their homes from wildfire.

“This year, we are including a Firewise program and conducting our interagency fire training with cooperators and emergency response personnel in a wildland-urban interface community,” said All Fire Day Incident Commander Bryan Karchut. “By doing so, both the firefighters and the community will get a valuable experience as they practice their wildfire response and a mock evacuation in a life-like situation.”

"The Town of Star Valley Ranch is extremely delighted to have been chosen to host this year's All Fires Day training session,” said Mayor Boyd Siddoway. “This is an excellent opportunity for the citizens of Star Valley Ranch and western Wyoming to safely experience and learn about what these dedicated men and women do. We look forward to a continuing partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and local fire and EMS units."

Residents from the surrounding area will have the opportunity to attend a Firewise workshop on Friday evening, June 5, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Alpine Town Hall. Pat Durland with the national Firewise Communities program is the featured presenter. To register, please contact Terri Potter at the Alpine Fire Station, 307.654.7581.

All Fire Day training was established in 1998 to provide opportunities for interagency fire personnel to complete field exercises that test skills. The exercises also promote safety and efficiency in wildland firefighting, while building relationships and better communication through increased agency coordination.

Media representatives are welcome to attend the Firewise workshop and Saturday training session. Please contact Angie Crook at 307.886.5336 or Traci Weaver at 307.739.3692 for further information.