Washington Parish Fire Chief's Association

06/18/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

During the recent severe weather event, Fire Departments from across Washington Parish worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

Over the course of the storm response, fire personnel responded to 81 dispatched incidents parish-wide, in addition to numerous self-dispatched responses for downed trees, flooded roadways, and other weather-related hazards.

We would like to thank all firefighters, dispatchers, law enforcement officers, public works employees, utility crews, and volunteers who worked throughout the event to protect life and property. Your dedication and commitment to serving our communities does not go unnoticed.

As recovery efforts continue, please remain cautious when traveling and report hazards to the appropriate authorities.

06/16/2026

Please do not drive through flooded roadways!

06/03/2026

The Washington Parish Fire Chiefs Association ask that you keep the family, friends, and fellow responders of Daniel Fortun of St. Tammany Parish Fire District No. 8 in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time following his passing.

The fire service is a close-knit family, and we stand with our brothers and sisters in St. Tammany Parish as they mourn this tremendous loss. May Daniel’s loved ones find comfort, strength, and peace in the days ahead.

Please join us in keeping all those affected in your prayers.

03/27/2026

Today, fire departments from across the area gathered in solemn remembrance to mourn the loss of Mr. Ronald “Ronnie” Tetreau.

Mr. Ronnie faithfully and selflessly served the citizens of Washington and St. Tammany Parishes for many years. His distinguished career was marked by dedication and honor through multiple roles, including serving as a Deputy with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Fire Chief of Washington Parish Fire District 1, Deputy Coroner with the Washington Parish Coroner’s Office, and as a Medical Responder with Northshore EMS.

In addition to his service at home, Mr. Ronnie proudly served our nation for nine years in the United States Marine Corps and was a Vietnam Veteran. His commitment to duty—both to his country and his community will forever be remembered.

Mr. Ronnie was the embodiment of a true public servant. He dedicated his life to protecting others, answering the call whenever needed, and leading with strength, humility, and compassion. Today, we honor not only his service, but the legacy he leaves behind.

Though he has answered his final call here on earth, we take comfort in knowing he now stands watch over all first responders.

His leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment will never be forgotten.

03/12/2026

The Washington Parish Fire Chiefs Association would like to extend our sincere thanks to the communications officers of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office for their hard work and dedication last night.

Dispatchers coordinated responses to approximately 33 weather-related incidents across the parish, ensuring that fire districts, Washington Parish Public Works, and local utility companies were notified and able to respond appropriately. Their professionalism and coordination played a critical role in keeping our community safe.

We would also like to thank all first responders who worked throughout the night to help ensure our roadways were safe for the citizens of Washington Parish.

If you observe any hazards or storm-related issues, please contact the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office at 985-839-3434 so the appropriate resources can be dispatched.

Thank you to everyone who continues to serve and protect our community.

— Washington Parish Fire Chiefs Association

03/04/2026

FIRE INCIDENT UPDATE

Yesterday, 3/3/26 at 1:51 PM, Washington Parish Fire District 7 was dispatched to a reported woods fire in the area of Wardline Road and Hwy 1074 in Washington Parish.

Units arrived on scene to find a large woods fire moving rapidly toward several nearby homes. The Incident Commander immediately requested additional resources, and as the incident escalated, a parish-wide all-call was initiated. Multiple fire districts from across Washington Parish responded with available apparatus and manpower to assist with fire suppression and structure protection.

Fire department resources from St. Tammany Parish Fire District 1 and St. Tammany Parish Fire District 6 deployed a UAV drone team to assist with aerial coordination and fire mapping, providing critical real-time intelligence to crews operating on the ground.

Forestry units from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry responded with five bulldozers that worked tirelessly to cut fire breaks and contain the fast-moving blaze.

Around midnight, the fire was successfully contained, and fire department units were able to clear the scene.

This incident demonstrates the strong cooperation, communication, and unified response among all Washington Parish fire departments and our partnering agencies. When resources are stretched and conditions are challenging, teamwork makes the difference in protecting lives and property.

03/03/2026

Multiple Washington Parish Fire Resources are on scene on Wardline Rd near Bogalusa on a large wildland fire.

Please avoid this area!

02/25/2026

We would like to thank WDSU out of New Orleans for their coverage today highlighting the importance of adhering to the burn ban currently in place in Washington Parish.

This burn ban was issued by Parish President Ryan Seal as a precautionary measure to protect our citizens during these extremely dry conditions that are highly favorable for fire growth and rapid spread.

Today, WDSU interviewed one of our own, Assistant Fire Chief Blake Duncan of Angie to help provide insight into the number and severity of fires that have occurred throughout our parish. Our fire districts have been working tirelessly to respond to these incidents and protect lives and property.

The current burn ban has been extended out of precaution until further notice. It will be reevaluated weekly by local authorities to determine if conditions allow for it to be lifted safely.

We sincerely thank everyone for their cooperation and participation during this burn ban. Your support and compliance play a critical role in keeping our firefighters safe and preventing unnecessary emergencies.

Please continue to do your part to protect Washington Parish.

Fire officials have responded to 62 fires since Feb. 9.

02/23/2026

3/9/26: The Burn Ban has been lifted

2/23 16:25

At this time, fire resources across Washington Parish are stretched to the maximum. Within the last hour alone, firefighters have responded to 10 separate incidents across three fire districts.

Our personnel and equipment are heavily committed, and additional fires could significantly impact response times.

Please DO NOT burn anything at this time.
Even small debris fires can quickly get out of control under current conditions.

If you smoke, do NOT throw ci******es out of your vehicle.

A single lit cigarette can ignite dry grass along roadways and cause a rapidly spreading wildfire.

We are asking everyone to help protect our community by using extreme caution and following all burn restrictions currently in place.
_________________________________________

Washington Parish Fire Chief’s Association is asking all residents to please refrain from any outdoor burning in Washington Parish due to current weather conditions.

Today alone, multiple fires have been reported across Washington Parish, several of which required assistance from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, including the deployment of bulldozers to contain and control the fires.

In addition, fires have been reported in surrounding parishes, stretching emergency resources across the entire region. When resources are tied up, it delays response times and increases risk to lives and property.

Please follow Louisiana state laws regarding outdoor burning.

If you have questions regarding burning laws, please contact your local law enforcement agency for clarification.

Your cooperation is critical in helping protect our firefighters, our community, and our natural resources.

Stay safe,
Washington Parish Fire Chief’s Associationon

02/09/2026

WASHINGTON PARISH BURN BAN IN EFFECT

The Washington Parish Fire Chiefs Association would like to inform all residents that a parish-wide burn ban is now in effect due to dry conditions and an increased risk of wildfires across our area.

We ask everyone to please respect the burn ban and help keep Washington Parish safe.

The burn ban will remain in place until conditions improve and officials announce it has been lifted.