Jackson Hole firefighter injured in 20-foot fall during Wilson fire released from hospital

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. (KIFI) — A Jackson Hole firefighter who fell 20 feet while battling the Memorial Day fire at Teton Pines in Wilson has been released from the hospital.

According to Jackson Hole Fire/EMS, firefighter Charlie Crotteau was working to
access fire burning in the roof when he fell approximately 20 feet from the platform of a ladder
truck.

A Mayday call was issued at 4:22 a.m. Fellow firefighters and a Rapid Intervention Crew immediately responded and began providing aid.

Medical personnel stabilized Crotteau at the scene before transporting him to St. John's Health in Jackson, where he underwent surgery for fractures in his left leg. He has since been released from the hospital.

“There has been overwhelming support from fellow firefighters, family, and friends,” Deputy Fire Chief Brian Coe said in a statement. “Charlie has been in good spirits and is prepared for a long road to recovery.”

A volunteer firefighter at Station 1 in downtown Jackson since 2023, Crotteau is the first Mayday for the Jackson Hole Fire/EMS since February 2016.

The fire was first reported shortly after 3 a.m. when crews responded to what was initially believed to be a gas leak near the Teton Pines Clubhouse. Firefighters later discovered smoke and flames coming from an office building across from the clubhouse, prompting a full structure fire response.

Fire investigators with the Wyoming State Fire Marshal's Office said they do not suspect any criminal activity. Investigators determined the fire originated within the floor assembly between the first and second floors before spreading into the roof through concealed void spaces.

Crews from all six Jackson Hole Fire/EMS stations and the Teton Village Fire Department worked through the morning to bring the fire under control. The fire was declared contained at 10 a.m. and the building was ultimately deemed a total loss.

“We are incredibly grateful that no additional injuries occurred during this complex and fast-moving incident, and we're relieved to see Charlie on the road to recovery,” Coe said.