Bridger Teton Forest headquarters evacuated

Heating system leaks and fumes have forced closure of the Bridger Teton National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 340 North Cache in Jackson.

The building was closed Friday after the heating system broke and the temperature inside the building began to drop. Facility engineers got the boiler working enough to pressurize the system over the weekend, but new leaks caused additional failures.

According to forest public affairs officer Mary Cernicek, the boiler system was temporarily repaired Monday. The building was being monitored for additional leaks and carbon monoxide levels. Sensors indicated no unsafe carbon monoxide levels Monday.

Forest employees were retrieving files and laptops, but no work was allowed in the building. It was expected to be open to employees on Tuesday.

The building was constructed in the 1960’s and, according to Cernicek, the boiler has never been overhauled.