During the week of June 13th Tom Shand traveled thru Jackson Hole, Wyoming to work with the Teton Village Special Fire District. During the visit he met with Fire Chief Kevin Salava to review the structural, road and geographic conditions that face the fire department. The Village sits at the base of the Teton Mountains and is protected by the volunteer department which operates a four wheel drive Spartan/Rosenbauer pumper and an International four door cab 65 foot Tele Squrt with bodywork by General Safety.
The seventeen member department protects Teton Village which has a year round population of around 300 people. During the winter months due to the abundance of snow and outdoor activities the population swells to over 5000 visitors from all over the world. The Teton Village Fire Department responds to approximately 100 incidents each year with a unique staffing arrangement where some personnel live in the fire station with individual apartments for each member.
EVR is assisting the Fire District with the preparation of a RFP for a new rear mounted aerial device which will replace the 65 foot Tele-Squrt, once placed into service. EVR would like to thank Chief Salava and members of the Fire Department for their assistance and hospitality during our visit. Photos show some of the structural conditions and ladder company placement issues that face the department. Due to the high snowfalls experienced during the winter months, which can extend into May, fire hydrants are situated higher than normal for the engine company to locate. The department has a very active training program to maintain proficiency in many areas.
