DeQuincy, Louisiana - Ward Six Fire Protection District No. One reported a busy February, responding to 35 calls for service and supporting a parishwide effort to reduce wildfire danger through a temporary burn ban.
According to the district’s February Emergency Call Report, the majority of those responses involved grass and wildland fires, a trend that prompted fire chiefs from multiple departments to ask the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury to enact the ban. The burn ban, now in effect parishwide, will remain in place until the area receives enough rainfall to reduce fire risk.
Local fire officials are urging residents to follow the restrictions closely, noting that dry conditions can allow even small outdoor burns to spread quickly.
Grass And Wildland Fires Lead Call Volume
Ward 6 firefighters responded to 15 grass and wildland fires in February, making outdoor vegetation fires the single largest category of calls for the month. These types of fires typically involve fields, roadside grass, wooded areas, or other natural fuel.
In addition to the wildland responses, firefighters handled:
- Building fires: 4
- Dispatched and cancelled en route: 4
- Outside trash or rubbish fires: 3
- Motor vehicle crashes with injuries: 2
- Extrication of a victim: 1
- Service call: 1
- Cover assignment or standby: 1
- Special outside fire: 1
- Emergency medical incident: 1
- Vicinity alarm: 1
- False alarm: 1
The mix of calls illustrates the broad range of emergencies the district addresses, from structure fires to vehicle crashes and medical incidents.
Burn Ban Aims To Cut Wildfire Risk
With grass and wildland fires leading local call volume, fire chiefs from several departments supported formal action by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. The resulting burn ban is designed to lower the number of new fire starts, giving departments a better chance to keep existing fires small and manageable.
Under a burn ban, outdoor burning is generally restricted or prohibited, especially for activities such as burning yard debris, trash, or brush piles. The February report notes that the ban will stay in effect until Calcasieu Parish receives sufficient rainfall to bring down the elevated fire danger in local communities.
Officials point out that even seemingly harmless activities, such as burning a small trash pile or clearing a ditch with fire, can get out of control when vegetation is dry and winds are present.
Variety Of Fire And Rescue Responses
While wildland fires were the most frequent call type, Ward 6 firefighters also responded to four building fires, underscoring the continued risk to homes and other structures.
The district’s two motor vehicle crashes with injuries and one extrication highlight its role in technical rescue work. Extrication typically involves using specialized tools to free a trapped person from a damaged vehicle or other confined space.
Other calls, including a service call, a cover assignment or standby, and a special outside fire, reflect the range of support functions and mutual aid that local departments provide. A cover assignment generally means a crew is staged to protect a neighboring area while that community’s primary units are tied up on another incident.
False alarms and vicinity alarms, while not actual emergencies, still require a response, taking up time and resources that could otherwise be available for active fires or medical incidents.
Ward 6 Fire Seeking Volunteers
To keep up with ongoing demand, Ward 6 Fire is asking for more community members to consider volunteering with the department.
The district is looking for “dedicated individuals” who want to help protect their community, according to the report. Interested residents can visit the department’s website at www.ward6fire.com and complete the applicant interest card.
Volunteer firefighters often assist with firefighting, basic rescue, and support operations. Departments across Louisiana and the region rely heavily on volunteers to maintain adequate staffing, particularly during periods of high call volume or increased wildfire danger.
Public Safety And Community Role
The February totals from Ward Six Fire Protection District No. One show how quickly call numbers can climb when fire conditions are dry. With grass and wildland fires making up nearly half of all runs for the month, local and parish officials are leaning on both regulation—through the burn ban—and public cooperation to reduce risk.
Residents are encouraged to obey the burn ban, stay informed about changing fire conditions, and consider supporting local fire services, whether through volunteering, community education, or simply using extra caution with any potential ignition source outdoors.