FAQs • Teton County, WY • CivicEngage

Why are LPG tanks required to be buried in the Wildland Urban Interface zone?: Radiant and direct heat from wild land fires expand the gas within the above-ground tanks. This expansion causes tanks to vent off live gas, adding fuel and heat to the fire. A buried tank will not heat up in a wild land fire. All utilities must be underground per county ordinances.

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Fire - Wildland Urban Interface

1. What is the Wildland Urban Interface code?: An adopted series of the International Code Council’s set of codes, the Wildland Urban Interface code addresses any area where human-made improvements are built close to, or within, natural terrain and flammable vegetation, and where a significant potential for wildland fire exists. Teton County adopted this code in 2006.

2. How do I know if I am in the Wildland Urban Inteface?: Go to the Teton County Geographical Information System and under Property Search type in your address, click on the Fire Zones layer on the right bar. If your property is in the red area, you are in the WUI zone. The letters in the blocks do not pertain to the code, but indicate the referenced information for evacuation plans within the County Wildfire Protection Plan (under revision as of August 2013).

3. What do I need to do if I am planning on building a house in the Wildland Urban Interface zone?: Contact the Fire Department for a WUI review, 307-733-4732. This review will become part of the construction documents required for permitting. A fire inspector will be happy to discuss the requirements with you or your general contractor.

4. What do I need to do if I am building an addition to my home within the Wildland Urban Interface?: Only your addition over 500 square feet is required to meet the WUI code (per 2012 code adoption). Contact the Fire Department for a Wildland Urban Interface review at 307-733-4732. This review will become part of the construction documents required for permitting. A fire inspector will be happy to discuss the requirements with you or your general contractor.

5. Why are LPG tanks required to be buried in the Wildland Urban Interface zone?: Radiant and direct heat from wild land fires expand the gas within the above-ground tanks. This expansion causes tanks to vent off live gas, adding fuel and heat to the fire. A buried tank will not heat up in a wild land fire. All utilities must be underground per county ordinances.

6. Can I have a burn pile in the Town of Jackson: The city allows burning for two weeks every spring. Please contact dispatch before burning.