Teton Stage Lines and its drivers helped evacuate more than 400 youth and leaders from a church camp in southeastern Idaho threatened by a fast-moving wildfire.
The fire began around 12:30 p.m. on July 1 and quickly spread to 1,000 acres. Evacuation orders were issued for the Wolverine Creek area, including the Pasa-La-Coma camp, owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Youths at the camp were participating in a Pioneer Trek — a multiday reenactment of the Mormon pioneers’ journey to Utah. Nearby residents were also evacuated as the fire intensified.
With the camp’s original transportation provider unavailable, Bingham County Sheriff Jeff Gardner contacted Teton Stage Lines for help.
“They asked if we could respond and how quickly,” said Nathan Harrington, operations manager at Teton Stage Lines. “We said, ‘We can do it right away.’ And within hours, we had 12 buses rolling into the canyon.”
The Idaho-based company, celebrating its 90th year in business, mobilized quickly. Drivers left other duties to help with the evacuation.
“I want to be the first to tell my team of drivers just how proud I am,” Harrington said. “You all answered the call. You dropped everything to help get these youth out of the hills. Ninety years of success can’t happen without drivers like you.”
Camp ‘trek’ continued
The evacuees were taken to the Iona Stake Center, where they were reunited with their families. Teton Stage Lines offered to take the group back to Utah, but the youths decided to continue their trek at a new, safer location. Harrington said their decision reflected the same pioneer spirit they were honoring.
Firefighting efforts continued throughout the day. According to Local News 8 (KIFI), nine agencies responded to the fire, with planes and helicopters dropping water and retardant to contain the flames. Fort Hall Fire Chief Eric King said the threat eased by evening, and evacuation orders for several neighborhoods were lifted.
“The fire had the potential to become something much more destructive,” King said. “But with the help of air resources and ground crews, we were able to get it under better control.”
Teton Stage Lines transports schoolchildren, sports teams, and community groups. Earlier this year, the family-owned company received the 2025 Vision Award for Small Fleet at the United Motorcoach Association EXPO. The award recognizes excellence in safety, service, and community leadership.
