Byline

Mike Maltaverne

Mike Maltaverne is the Teton County Fire & Rescue fire chief.

Health & Safety

Fourth of July Fireworks Safety

June 23, 2026

Teton Valley is in severe drought. Fire officials urge Fourth of July fireworks safety: know Idaho's law and where to watch a public display.

Editor's note: The following Fourth of July fireworks safety advisory is from Teton County Fire & Rescue Chief Mike Maltaverne.

With Teton Valley experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions, above-average temperatures, and below-normal moisture levels, local elected officials and public safety agencies are urging all residents and visitors to use extreme caution this Fourth of July.

Fire, law enforcement, and EMS resources are expected to be in high demand, and neighboring agencies may have limited ability to help during a major emergency.

Editor's note: The following Fourth of July fireworks safety advisory is from Teton County Fire & Rescue Chief Mike Maltaverne.

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Opinion

Let's Think Carefully Before Scrapping the Roadless Rule

June 15, 2026

After decades fighting fires across the Black Hills of South Dakota and the Rocky Mountain, Northern Rockies and Great Basin regions, earning degrees in fire science and public safety administration, and graduating from the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program, I've learned that wildfire management rarely offers simple solutions.

Which is why it matters that there is a proposal afoot to consider repealing the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule which conserves 58.5 million acres of our national forest Inventoried Roadless Areas. These areas harbor wildlife, provide clean drinking water for many communities, and offer unmatched recreational opportunities for the American public. I have spent my career responding to fires, hazmat calls, and medical emergencies, managing operations that handled over 18,000 calls annually. I understand why some believe more roads could improve fire response, but the issue requires more nuanced consideration.