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Fire Prevention

Show All Answers

1. Who enforces fire safety regulation in the town and county?

The department’s Fire Prevention Division is responsible for enforcement of fire related regulations. Both Teton County and the Town of Jackson are local enforcement jurisdictions, which means the fire department is the authority having jurisdiction for fire and electrical safety related matters.

2. What Fire Codes are enforced by the Fire Department?

The Town and County have adopted the 2006 Edition of the International Fire Code. Also, the department enforces the 2006 Edition of the Fire Protection Resolution for New Subdivisions, and 2006 International Urban-Wildland Interface Code. The Fire Department’s Electrical Safety Division enforces the 2011 Edition of the National Electrical Code.

3. Are Fire Code and Electrical Code requirements the same for the Town and County?

Yes, they are the same.

4. How much do inspections cost?

Fire inspections and Electrical inspections are provided as a service by the department and you are not charged.

5. How do I arrange for an fire inspection, demonstration, station tour or presentation?

Please contact the Fire Prevention Division at 733-4732.

6. Does the Fire Department provide smoke detectors?

Yes. The department provides smoke detectors in several ways. The Department operates a Safe Newborn program in which every child born at St. John`s Hospital receives a voucher for a smoke/carbon monoxide detector for their home. Also, the department provides detectors to the elderly, low income families.

7. Does the Fire Department provide educational handouts?

Sure, lots! The department will provide you with information in the areas of fire prevention, fire survival, hazardous materials, wild land urban interface, burn prevention, occupational safety, disaster preparedness, to name just a few. If we don`t have specific information about your inquiry, we`ll find it for you, contact the Fire Department if you would like more information.

8. How do I report a leaking or damaged fire hydrant?

In town, contact the Town of Jackson Public Works at 733-3079. Fire hydrants is private subdivisions in the County are maintained by the subdivision. You must contact the homeowner's association for that subdivision.

9. My smoke detector beeps about every minute. What`s wrong with it?

The battery is low. The detector will chirp regularly every 30 to 60 seconds to let you know its time to replace the battery.

10. How do I report a controlled burn?

To report your Open Burn, please contact Jackson Hole Fire/EMS at 733-4732. Open burns are allowed in the Town of Jackson only when the Mayor proclaims Burn Week, usually once in the spring and once in the fall. Open burns in the County are generally allowed throughout the year, unless fire restrictions are placed into effect. Be prepared to give the physical address of your burn, your name and a telephone at which you can be reached during your burn.

Open Burn Policies are as follows: 

1. Waste matter shall not be burned, which shall in burning cause or  create a dense smoke or odor, such as old hay, straw, manure,  insulation, household trash, plastic, etc. Only clean wood, branches and leaves can be burned.
2. If wind is blowing, do not burn. If the wind comes up while burning, stop burning.
3. Keep fire small – feed material into it. If a large pile (non-commercial) must be burned, wait until there is snow on the ground to begin the burn.
4. The location of the fire must be no close than 50 feet to structures, grass, brush, trees, etc.
5. Must have a garden hose connected to a water supply or other approved  fire extinguishing equipment shall be readily available for use at the  open burn site.
6. Must have a responsible person in attendance at all times of burning.
7. All burning must be done in daylight hours only.
8. Morning hours are the best time to conduct open burns.
9. Must call DEQ – lander at 307-332-6755), if you are less than 500 feet to a neighboring residence, workplace or other place where people congregate at.
   
10. Must call dispatch at 733-2331 each day you plan to burn.

11. What kind of things can I burn?

The Fire Code strictly regulates those things which can be burned. Generally, only clean, uncontaminated wood products can be burned. Grass clipping, brush, branches, logs, and scrape lumber basically are those things that qualify. Trash may not be burned.

12. I would like to buy a fire extinguisher. What kind should I buy?

Any brand extinguisher is okay as long as it is tested and listed by Underwriter's Laboratories. The minimum size we require is a 2A10B:C. Extinguishers used in commercial applications must be sized to protect specific hazards. Contact the Fire Prevention Division at 733-4732 for more information.

13. I had a small fire which I extinguished. Now what should I do?

Call the Fire Prevention Bureau so that we can take a look at it for you. The fire may have caused damage or created a dangerous situation of which you are unaware. The fire may have damaged property for which your home owner insurance or renter insurance may reimburse you. Contact your insurance company right away for guidance.

14. Are fire sprinkler systems required in homes?

Yes. Amendments to the Town and County Building Codes require that all structures 5,000 square feet or larger be protected by automatic fire sprinklers, regardless of occupancy. There are some exceptions. Furthermore, the department requires that all structures accessed by roads exceeding 8% sustained grade be protected by sprinklers. As a result, some entire subdivisions require sprinklers.

15. How many smoke detectors do I need in my home?

Current codes require that all rooms used for sleeping purposes be protected by smoke detectors. New construction requires that the detectors be hard wired to the building`s electrical system, with battery back-up. Hallways which lead to sleeping rooms also require detectors. While not required by current codes, we also recommend that you install carbon monoxide detectors in your home if you have a device which burns fossil fuels. Gas heaters, furnaces, oil fired boilers, fireplaces and wood stoves are examples.

16. What do I need to do to properly install my new wood stove?

Follow the directions! Any new wood stove installed in the Town or County must be tested and listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. One of the requirements of the listing is that the manufacturer must give you detailed instructions on how to properly install your stove. The stove must also meet or exceed 1990 EPA Emission  Standards. If you have questions or would like a courtesy inspection, contact the Fire Prevention Division at 733-4732.

17. How often should I clean my chimney?

At a minimum, we recommend once a year. Before and after the burning season is even better. All stoves burn differently so more often may be necessary. We recommend you hire a professional sweep who can provide you with a knowledgeable opinion of the condition of your chimney system.