News Release
NPS photo by J Skaggs
News Release Date: August 1, 2015
Contact: Investigative Services Branch, (202) 379-4761
Investigation of a fatal structure fire in the Tetons
An ISB Special Agent is aiding the investigation of a fatal structure fire that occurred in Grand Teton National Park on July 31. One person lost their life in the fire, and four others were transported to a nearby hospital.
Upon getting the call for help just after midnight, Teton Interagency Dispatch Center personnel initiated the immediate response of firefighters and medics. Residents of the Colter Bay dormitory and neighbors deployed fire extinguishers until help arrived.
The "all-out effort" by responders prevented the fire from spreading further than one room in the dormitory. "It was an amazing response from Grand Teton National Park firefighters, EMTs, rangers, and also the Jackson Hole Fire and EMS responders," said the park's spokesperson, Jackie Skaggs.
The cause of the fire was "not related to structural deficiencies," Skaggs said. She also stated that investigators had ruled out electrical problems, and that smoke alarms were working properly.
The ISB Special Agent is working with personnel from Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) and Special Agent with ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), investigators with the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety, and an investigator and fire captain with the Rawlins Fire Department.
ISB is on the web at www.nps.gov/isb
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Last updated: December 1, 2015