Teton commissioners renew Alta-area fire/EMS contract with Idaho district

Teton County commissioners voted March 3 to approve a new five-year fire, ambulance and EMS services contract with the Teton County (Idaho) Fire Protection District for Wyoming lands on the west side of the Tetons, including Teton Pass. The current agreement expires in September 2026; the new contract takes effect Oct. 1, 2026. Details are in the county’s March 3 packet, including the staff report and the agreement text. Board Meeting Agenda Packet.

Under the contract, the Idaho district will respond to structure and wildland fires, EMS calls, vehicle extrications, hazardous materials incidents and other emergencies within the Wyoming contract area. The agreement also includes a per-incident cost provision for fire and emergency responses that exceed 12 hours (excluding ambulance responses), and notes Jackson Hole Fire/EMS may assume management of larger incidents. Board Meeting Agenda Packet.

Financially, the county will pay $580,000 on Oct. 1, 2026, with a $20,000 annual escalator, reaching $660,000 on Oct. 1, 2030. The staff report says the prior five-year term began Oct. 1, 2021 at $480,000 and escalated by $20,000 per year to a scheduled $560,000 payment on Oct. 1, 2025; it also reports the district responded to 155 incidents in the Wyoming contract area in 2025. Board Meeting Agenda Packet.