Donaldsonville Fire Department Association

09/15/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gonzales Fire Department Responds to Structure Fire at Gauthier & Amedee Law Office
Gonzales, LA September 14, 2026
The Gonzales Fire Department responded to a reported building struck by lightning at approximately 6:20 pm on September 14 at Gauthier & Amedee Law Office on S. Burnside Ave.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a hole in the roof of the 3-story building with smoke emitting from the opening. Crews quickly made their way to the attic where they were met with heavy fire conditions.
The fire was brought under control within approximately 20 minutes. A total of 8 units with 30 personnel responded to the incident.
Two firefighters were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. They were released later the same night.
The structure sustained significant fire, smoke, and water damage. After investigation, a lightning strike was confirmed to be the cause of the fire.
"We are grateful for the quick actions of our firefighters and the support of our mutual aid partners," said Fire Chief Preston Landry. "Since this can happen at any moment to any home or business, we remind residents to ensure they have working smoke alarms in their homes and a practiced escape plan for their families."
The Gonzales Fire Department would like to thank the Prairieville, St Amant and Donaldsonville Fire Departments as well as Gonzales PD for their assistance during this incident.

Media Contact:
Preston Landry
Fire Chief
Gonzales Fire Department
Phone: (225) 644-5307
Email: [email protected]

09/13/2026

09/11/2026

25 years later, we remember. 🇺🇸

On this 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we pause to honor the brave first responders who ran toward danger when others were running away.

We remember the 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, 8 EMTs & paramedics, search-and-rescue teams, and countless others who lost their lives that day while answering the call to serve. We also remember the many first responders and responders who survived that day, only to later lose their lives to illnesses caused by the toxic exposure and conditions they endured in the aftermath. Recent data shows 9,700 people have died from 9/11 related illnesses overall, which includes thousands of first responders and residents.
Their sacrifice did not end when the towers fell. For many, the battle continued for years afterward.

Today, we honor every life lost on 9/11 and every responder who later passed away from 9/11-related illnesses. We remember their courage, their service, their families, and the lasting price they paid for helping others.

May we never forget their names.�May we never forget their sacrifice.�May we never forget the families who continue to carry their loss.

25 years later, we remember. We honor. We will never forget. 🇺🇸

07/04/2026

We're thrilled to express our heartfelt appreciation to Jackie Copponex & CF Industries and the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office & Sheriff Bobby Weber for their remarkable generosity, which propelled our July 3rd First Responders Cookout to new heights, uniting over five organizations in a celebration of community, camaraderie and setting a powerful stage for future collaborations.

07/04/2026

3rd of July in Donaldsonville, Louisiana.

06/11/2026

We would like to show appreciation to the Woodmen’s Life Chapter 0018 for the generous donation to our non-profit organization, Donaldsonville Fire Department Association. These donations are extremely helpful to assists with purchasing fire prevention materials and equipment that the firefighters want and need. Thank you again!

05/31/2026

Another exciting part of our day! We were lucky enough to welcome a visitor that stopped by during our pump/ops training. We were able to spark interest and a little bit of fun with a mother and her daughter with spraying water with our ground monitor. We even showed them the secret to making rainbows 🌈

Thanks Firefighter Leach for showing the kiddo how it’s done!

03/06/2026

NEWS RELEASE

The Donaldsonville Fire Department was dispatched to 606 Lessard Street at approximately 12:07 a.m. March 4, 2026.

At the time, one unit was on scene at a medical emergency.

At approximately 12:12 a.m., two Donaldsonville fire units arrived on scene.

Upon arrival, units determined two structures were on fire, 602 Lessard Street, the initial structure, and 606 Lessard Street.

A third structure on Charles Street was starting to catch fire, later determined to be the fourth structure, 420 Charles Street, which was already fully involved catching 418 Charles Street.

At 12:42 a.m., approximately 34 minutes later, the Donaldsonville Fire Department was dispatched to 253 Evangeline Extension for another structure fire.

At that time, all off duty Donaldsonville Fire Department personnel enroute, not on scene at Lessard St., were diverted to Evangeline Extension and a request was made through dispatch for additional manpower from the Paincourtville Volunteer Fire Department and Ascension Fire District #1.

No injuries have been reported in connection with any of the incidents.

The Donaldsonville Fire Department would like to thank the Paincourtville Volunteer Fire Department, and all the Ascension Fire District #1 fire departments that came to Donaldsonville Fire Department's aid.

Both structure fires are under investigation by the Donaldsonville Fire Department and the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office.

Travis M. Cedotal
Fire Chief
Donaldsonville Fire Department/Ascension Fire District #2