St. Bernard Fire Department

St. Bernard Fire Department St. Bernard Parish Fire Department

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05/14/2026

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05/08/2026

🚨🚨UPDATE: Highway is reopened.🚨🚨

🚔🚨 TRAFFIC ALERT 🚨

Due to a fire at Chalmette Refining, the eastbound lanes of St. Bernard Highway from Jackson Boulevard to Palmisano Boulevard are currently shut down to traffic while emergency responders work the scene.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area and seek alternate routes until further notice.

Please use caution and allow first responders space to safely perform their duties.

05/08/2026

An update from Chalmette Refining.

🚨🚨The St. Bernard Fire Department is currently responding to an industrial fire at the Chalmette Refining. SBFD crews ar...
05/08/2026

🚨🚨The St. Bernard Fire Department is currently responding to an industrial fire at the Chalmette Refining. SBFD crews are on scene and actively working alongside refinery personnel to mitigate the situation. At this time the fire is contained. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Courage. Dedication. Service.Proud of our SBFD firefighters today and every day.🔥
05/04/2026

Courage. Dedication. Service.
Proud of our SBFD firefighters today and every day.🔥

Last week, four members of SBFD traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana to attend the 97th Annual Fire Department Instructor C...
04/29/2026

Last week, four members of SBFD traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana to attend the 97th Annual Fire Department Instructor Conference (FDIC).

FDIC is widely recognized for delivering hands-on training and cutting-edge best practices that prepare firefighters to meet the demands of today’s emergencies. Participants also have the opportunity to engage in specialized tracks such as leadership, EMS, and hazardous materials, ensuring they stay current with the latest techniques and strategies.

We are proud of our personnel for their continued commitment to professional development and for bringing back valuable knowledge that helps us better serve and protect our community.

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🚨🚨Firefighters are currently on scene of a residential structure fire in the 2000 block of W. Beauregard. At this time, ...
04/28/2026

🚨🚨Firefighters are currently on scene of a residential structure fire in the 2000 block of W. Beauregard. At this time, there are no reported injuries. Crews were able to safely rescue a cat from the home.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Applications are now open for the Fire Chief Civil Service Exam. 🚒📌Full exam details, requirements, and deadlines are li...
04/27/2026

Applications are now open for the Fire Chief Civil Service Exam. 🚒

📌Full exam details, requirements, and deadlines are listed in the attached pages.

Applications are now open for the Fire Training Officer Civil Service Exam. 🚒📌Full exam details, requirements, and deadl...
04/27/2026

Applications are now open for the Fire Training Officer Civil Service Exam. 🚒

📌Full exam details, requirements, and deadlines are listed in the attached pages.

Applications are now open for the Fire Prevention Inspector Civil Service Exam. 🚒📌Full exam details, requirements, and d...
04/27/2026

Applications are now open for the Fire Prevention Inspector Civil Service Exam. 🚒

📌Full exam details, requirements, and deadlines are listed in the attached pages.

St. Bernard Parish Fire Department Announces Interim Fire Chief Appointment Following Leadership Transition. The St. Ber...
04/21/2026

St. Bernard Parish Fire Department Announces Interim Fire Chief Appointment Following Leadership Transition.

The St. Bernard Parish Fire Department today announced the appointment of an Interim Fire Chief following the departure of Fire Chief Earl Borden, who has accepted the position of Fire Chief with the Lafayette Fire Department.

Stepping into the role is Assistant Chief Rodney Ourso, a highly respected leader with 34 years of dedicated service to the department. A lifelong public servant, Chief Ourso has risen through every rank within the organization, gaining extensive operational and administrative experience along the way. Known for a steady leadership style, deep institutional knowledge, and strong commitment to community service, Chief Ourso is well-positioned to guide the department during this transition.

Throughout a distinguished career, Chief Ourso has played a key role in advancing departmental initiatives, strengthening training programs, and enhancing emergency response capabilities. He is a collaborative leader who values accountability, mentorship, and professionalism. As Interim Fire Chief, he will continue to build on recent progress while ensuring continuity in service delivery and maintaining the department’s high standards.

Chief Ourso is a member of the Louisiana USAR Task Force 1, has extensive experience in All-Hazard Incident Management, and has a Fire Science Technology degree from Delgado Community College. He is also a U. S. Navy veteran with 30 years of service, to include three deployments to the Middle East, and retired as a U. S. Navy Command Master Chief.

“I am honored to serve in this capacity and to continue working alongside the dedicated men and women of this department,” said Chief Ourso. “Our focus remains on providing exceptional service to our community while supporting the safety and development of our personnel.”

Fire Chief Earl Borden concludes a 22-year tenure with the department, including four years as Fire Chief. During his leadership, the department implemented numerous positive changes, including modernization of equipment, expansion of training programs, and initiating multiple capital projects that will serve the community well for years to come. The department extends its gratitude for his service and leadership and wishes him continued success in his new role.

St. Bernard Parish Fire Department remains committed to its mission of protecting life and property, and the appointment of Interim Fire Chief Ourso reflects a continued dedication to strong leadership and operational excellence. The lengthy process for naming a permanent Fire Chief will begin immediately.

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Address

7220 St. Claude Avenue
Arabi, LA
70032

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