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Grand Teton National Park structural and wildland firefighters held a wildland-urban interface drill in conjunction with a park concessioner in late May, preparing fire personnel and ranch staff for the upcoming fire season.
Triangle X Ranch, located within Grand Teton National Park, is a long-time park concessioner with a history dating back to the 1920s. The dude ranch operates 49 developed acres including approximately 20 guest cabins, a main odge, corrals, and employee housing.
Prior to the drill, fire personnel toured the Triangle X complex, identifying the location of safety zones, hydrants, propane tanks, electrical shut-offs, and flammable materials storage areas. Water storage capacities were discussed, and nearby alternate water sources were examined.
Two structural fire engines, a wildland engine, one park ambulance, 16 park employees, and a representative from the Jackson / Teton County Fire Department participated in the exercise. Firefighters were dispatched to the scenario by the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center which continued to update participants throughout the drill. Upon arrival, firefighters triaged buildings, began evacuation procedures, and applied foam and water to protect structures.
Both firefighters and ranch staff agree that the drill was an important training exercise. Firefighters became familiar with the ranch layout and assisted ranch personnel in developing a wildland fire plan, including evacuation and communications strategies. The value of these interagency drills was demonstrated in the coordinated response to last year's Green Knoll Fire.
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