STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Sawtooth Valley Wildland Fire Collaborative is hosting a free talk to explain fire insurance. And the event under the umbrella of the Sawtooth Society is throwing in free pizza and beer, as well.

Patrick Buchanan of State Farm in Hailey will answer questions from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Papa Brunee’s Pizza & Subs in Stanley. He’ll answer questions about the current state of the fire insurance industry. And he’ll offer recommendations or maintaining or renewing fire insurance for homes and businesses.

The Stanley area got through a relatively quiet summer fire wise this year after a horrible summer last year between the Wapiti Fire and Bench Lakes Fire. But it may not be out of the woods yet despite shorter days, cooler weather and some rain.

Just look at the Boat Box fire that started a few miles east of Lower Stanley in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area on Sept. 24. Fortunately, the U.S. Forest Service performed water drops and assigned 12 smokejumpers to the fire, and they were able to contain the fire, which took place in thick timber by the next day.