Ward 6 Fire took delivery of the UTV on October 21, 2023, and it has already responded to two wildfires in the community. (Pictured L to R: Todd Parker-Fire Chief, Stoney Sportsman-Gas Storage Facility Manager, Jeanne Trahan-Community Relations Specialist, Desiree’ Amrine-Firefighter, Roy Arrant – Board President)

Ward 6 Fire Protection District #1 has been busy the last several months fighting numerous wildfires in Southwest Louisiana. The department utilizes UTV’s to access remote locations that traditional fire apparatus cannot get to. The need to replace a 12-year-old brush UTV became evident during the Tiger Island Fire in Beauregard Parish when the unit had mechanical issues and failed, stranding firefighters on the front line. To provide a reliable piece of equipment to protect the firefighters and the community, Ward 6 Fire reached out to Sempra Infrastructure which operates a compressor station on Holbrook Park Road to request a grant for the Brush UTV. Sempra Infrastructure approved a grant in the amount of $25,000.00 for the purchase of the 2023 Can-Am HD 10 6x6.

The unit was placed in service and responded to a 40-acre wildfire on October 22, 2023, and a 1-acre wildfire on October 29, 2023. This UTV provides firefighters with a reliable piece of equipment that will assist in containing and suppressing wildfires throughout the fire district. The unit will also respond to mutual aid requests from neighboring departments in Southwest Louisiana to provide suppression resources for wildland fires.

“Thank you to Sempra Infrastructure for providing this much needed grant so the department could obtain the new UTV to help protect the citizens and property within Ward 6 in Calcasieu Parish and the surrounding fire districts should a wildfire occur,” said Fire Chief Todd Parker.