JACKSON, Wyo. — Residents of private lands close to the Kinky Creek Fire in the Gros Ventre should start to prepare for potential evacuations, according to Teton County Emergency Management (TCEM).

“Darwin Ranch and nearby private lands are in SET status due to the Kinky Creek Fire,” TCEM stated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. “Fire activity may threaten the area if conditions change. Prepare for possible evacuation (GO!) or shelter-in-place (STAY!) protective actions. Review plans, gather essentials, and be prepared for GO! or STAY! notifications. Updates will follow as needed.”

TCEM uses the “Ready, Set, Go” model for evacuation orders in emergency situations like wildfires. The agency advises that all Teton County residents be in the “ready” state for emergencies including wildfires year-round. Be sure to sign up for Teton_WY Alerts, the free emergency notification service that informs residents if/when the following protective action orders are issued:

  1. SET: Prepare to take action. Stay tuned to local alerts and trustworthy sources of emergency information. If you anticipate evacuations, leave early if you have large animals, need extra time, or feel your life is in danger.
  2. GO!: Evacuate. Leave immediately, as instructed by officials. Do not hesitate. Remember to bring your pets and emergency supply kit.
  3. STAY!: Shelter in place. Stay tuned to local notification systems.
  4. AVOID!: Stay away from the designated area.
Image: Teton County Emergency Management

TCEM advises having three or more ways to receive emergency information, which could include a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio, enabled emergency alerts on a mobile phone, presets to local radio stations that broadcast alerts (1340 AM, 88.3 FM, 89.1 FM, 93.5 FM, 95.3 FM, 96.3 FM, 96.9 FM) and/or access to social media channels that share current updates.

Now would be a great time to get a family emergency plan together. Part of emergency preparedness includes knowing the “Eight P’s” that belong in a “Go bag”:

  1. People and pets (needs and special considerations)
  2. Pictures and photo albums
  3. Personal computers
  4. Papers (important documents)
  5. Prescriptions and medications (for the pets, too)
  6. Plastics (credit cards)
  7. Personal devices (phones and chargers)
  8. Passports and IDs

Remember to keep the “Go bag” and its packing list easily accessible. Get more ideas at ready.gov/kit.

Marianne is the Editor of Buckrail. She handles breaking news and reports on a little bit of everything. She's interested in the diversity of our community, arts/entertainment and crazy weather.