Sublette County Unified Fire crews battle multiple fires
by Sublette County Unified Fire
February 27, 2024
PINEDALE, WYOMING - At approximately 9:52 PM on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, Sublette County Unified Fire units were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the area of Boulder Basin Road near The Place. The reporting party saw 80-foot flames coming from a single-family home. No one appeared home at the time the fire was discovered. The initial fire involved structure was a total loss but multiple buildings on the property were protected.
At approximately 12:12 PM on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, Sublette County Unified Fire units were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the Jack Creek and Haley Draw area. A bunk house suffered a fire and resulting in partial collapse. There were no reported injuries.
At approximately 3:59 PM on Thursday, February 22, 2024, Sublette County Unified Fire units were dispatched to a fire involving dog kennels in the Daniel Merna area. Thirteen dogs were saved and one dog, unfortunately, did succumb to exposure to smoke from the fire.
Multiple fire units from Battalion 1 (Pinedale), Battalion 2 (Big Piney/Marbleton), Battalion 3 (Bondurant), Battalion 5 (Daniel), and Battalion 6 (Kendall Valley) responded to these incidents.
Fire fighters arriving on scene were challenged with limited access due to normal winter conditions. First arriving fire units made initial assessments and protected other buildings from the fires. Water shuttling operations were utilized to provide sufficient water for fireground operations. This included running close to 2000 feet of supply hose, temporarily closing the northbound lane on Hwy 352 for fire suppression operations near The Place. As other fire crews arrived, they assisted where needed in either the water shuttle operations or with fire suppression activities.
Thanks to the preparedness, training, quick response, and coordination of the responding firefighters, the fires were contained to the buildings of origin and extinguished. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters reported.
Once the scene of the fire(s) are stabilized, salvage and overhaul begin to ensure there is no re-ignition of materials once fire crews leave. Fire crews then rehab their equipment and apparatus back at their respective stations before being done with each response to be ready for the next incident. Responding to multiple fires involving structures require much manpower, resources and time from our local (mostly volunteer) fire fighters.
The fires are still currently under investigation.
Winter is still with us so please use caution when using any type of warming aids for animal water and food and home water piping. Extension cords, heat trace, heat lamps and etc. are a necessary part of our lives. Don’t overload outlets as the power required to run heating equipment can exceed the circuit(s) ratings and result in an excess buildup of heat. Check heating lamps often to make sure they are secured and clear of combustible material. Heated food and water feeders for animals also have a high-power need so ensure that the power is supplied from an appropriate source. Electric heat tracing should not be turned on for the winter and left without periodic inspection. Having an electrical professional inspect or install the correct equipment can make a significant improvement to the integrity of these essential power circuits and possibly prevent the start and loss incurred by a fire. Stay warm and stay safe, warmer weather should be around the corner.
Authority
Shad Cooper
Sublette County Unified Fire Chief
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