County Fire Association To Host December Convention
Up to 150 people expected to attend
by Jennifer Binning

Approximately 150 Wyoming fire fighters and their families are expected to arrive in Pinedale for the three-day annual Rural Fire Association meeting beginning December 2.

According to County Fire Warden John Blaha, the meeting, which is co-sponsored by the Wyoming State Forestry Division, draws almost all the county fire wardens from around the state, with the focus this year being "the broad responsibilities of rural firefighters."

Mr. Blaha said the organization began as a networking association for wild land firefighters, but it has since evolved to include other fire fighting specialties as well. This year, there will be a special lecture on dealing with high-pressure gas lines.

An influx of about 150 people will bring a welcome increase in cash flow to many area businesses, and several hotels have been asked to stay open for this weekend, as almost all the hotel rooms in Pinedale have been booked already. Mr. Blaha said people are even searching for lodging in the surrounding communities.

Mr. Blaha won the bid to bring the conference to Pinedale two years ago during the annual meeting in Cheyenne. At that point he thought the Recreation Center would be complete, and he could only hope that the new library meeting rooms would be ready. Thankfully, the space available in the old and new libraries will accommodate the various meetings.

While the fire fighters attend meetings, their spouses will be taken to the Museum of the Mountain Man, local art galleries and turned loose to enjoy the amenities of Pinedale.