JACKSON, Wyo. — To help the community prepare for the 2025 wildfire season, the Teton Area Wildfire Protection Coalition (TAWPC) will host a free Community Wildfire Preparedness Presentation, film and panel discussion on Thursday, June 12 at the Teton County Library.
Thursday’s event is the second in a three-part series focused on community wildfire preparedness, with the third event to be held in August. Light refreshments will be provided.
During the presentation, the film “Design for Disaster” will begin playing at 6 p.m., and doors will open at 5:30 p.m. According to Jackson Hole Fire/EMS, the short documentary film describes the 1961 historic Bel Air/Brentwood, Calif. wildfire that destroyed 484 homes, damaged 190 others, burned over 16,000 acres and cost the community more than $30 million.
“The film acts as a reminder that wildfire can start anywhere at any time and can spread quickly,” Jackson Hole Fire/EMS wrote via press release.
Following the film, a panel of federal, state and local fire managers will discuss how communities have adapted to wildfire risks and hazards since the Bel Air Fire. The TAWPC panel will consist of former Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Fire Chief Willy Watsabaugh, Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Fire Chief Mike Moyer, National Park Service Wildland Fire Safety Program Manager Mack McFarland, Bridger-Teton National Forest North Zone Fuels Management Officer David Wilkins and Greater Yellowstone Fire Action Network Director Liz Davy.
Discussion topics will delve into existing problems, the community’s relationship with fire partners, issues pertaining to the revised Community Wildfire Protection Plan and the public’s role in supporting wildfire professionals.
“Wildfire season has already started across areas of the country and in Canada, delivering the harsh reminder that wildfire season in Wyoming is only one spark away,” Jackson Hole Fire/EMS wrote.
