Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana – Ward Six Fire Protection District No. One reported a busy month of activity in November, responding to 49 separate incidents across its service area and renewing its call for more local volunteers to support emergency operations.

Department officials said responders continued to serve the community “with pride, teamwork, and excellence” as they handled a wide range of emergencies, from building fires to vehicle crashes and gas leaks.

Range Of Emergency Incidents

According to the district’s November report, Ward Six firefighters responded to:

• Motor vehicle crashes without injuries: 6
• Motor vehicle crashes with injuries: 4
• Building fires: 5
• Brush, grass, and woods fires: 9
• Smoke scare or smoke removal calls: 5
• Public service calls: 5
• Cover assignments (standing by for other departments): 3
• Fire alarm activations: 3
• Rescue and EMS assistance calls: 2
• Gas leak: 1
• Arcing electrical equipment: 1
• No incident found on arrival: 1
• Dispatched and cancelled en route: 4

The data shows that brush, grass, and woods fires made up the single largest category, with nine incidents. Combined vehicle crashes — with and without injuries — accounted for 10 calls, underlining how often firefighters are called to roadway emergencies in addition to fires.

Calls involving building fires, smoke investigations, and fire alarm activations totaled 13 incidents, representing a substantial portion of the district’s workload for the month. These responses can range from minor issues to serious emergencies and require crews to be ready at all times.

The department also provided cover assignments three times in November, standing by for other agencies. These standby operations help maintain fire coverage when neighboring departments are tied up on large or multiple calls, a common practice in the fire service known as mutual aid.

Support Roles Beyond Fire Suppression

Not all of Ward Six Fire’s November responses involved flames or crashes. Firefighters also handled five public service calls, a category that can include a wide variety of community assistance, such as helping residents with non-emergency concerns or safety-related issues.

Crews responded twice to rescue or EMS assistance calls, supporting medical responders on scenes where extra manpower or equipment was needed. They also addressed one gas leak and one incident involving arcing electrical equipment, both of which can present serious fire and safety risks if not handled promptly and professionally.

One call ended with no incident found on arrival, a common outcome in the fire service when a reported problem has resolved itself or was misidentified by a caller. Another four calls were cancelled while units were en route, which still requires personnel to respond initially and be prepared for a full emergency.

Community Volunteer Shortage

Alongside its monthly report, Ward Six Fire Protection District No. One made a direct appeal to residents, stating that the department is “desperately needing volunteers” from the community to join its ranks.

The district emphasized that it can provide all necessary training, allowing volunteers with no prior experience to become effective members of the team. Training for volunteer firefighters typically includes basic fire behavior, use of protective gear, hose handling, ladders, incident safety, and, in many departments, basic medical response skills.

Ward Six Fire also noted that there are non-suppression positions available. These roles do not require volunteers to enter burning buildings or respond on the front line but still play an important part in supporting the department. Non-suppression tasks can include logistics, administration, public education, maintenance assistance, and other support functions that help keep the district running.

Ongoing Need For Local Involvement

The November activity report illustrates how often local fire departments are called upon for a wide range of emergencies and community needs. From brush fires and building fires to roadway crashes and public service calls, Ward Six Fire’s 49 incidents in a single month highlight the workload managed by a largely volunteer-based system.

With the department publicly calling for more volunteers and offering training and non-suppression opportunities, officials are clearly signaling that community involvement is a key part of maintaining emergency services at the local level.

Residents interested in helping their community through Ward Six Fire Protection District No. One are encouraged to learn more about available roles and the training provided, whether they wish to respond on emergency scenes or support operations behind the scenes.

Ward Six Fire can be contacted by phone at 337-286-2775 or email at [email protected].