Baton Rouge Fire Department

10/27/2026

🔥 Interested in becoming a firefighter? Join us. Earn your place at Baton Rouge Fire Department.

Visit brla.gov/joinbrfd to learn how to apply. 🚒

10/25/2026

A temporary burn ban is currently in effect for East Baton Rouge Parish. Mayor-President Sid Edwards signed the proclamation Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. All outdoor burning is prohibited.

Grills, smokers, and enclosed fire pits are still allowed with care.

10/23/2026

10/22/2026

🚒 Becoming a Baton Rouge firefighter takes commitment, discipline, and a willingness to put in the work.

We’re looking for people ready to take on that challenge and become part of a team that Baton Rouge depends on every day.

Applications are now open.

Are you ready to take that first step?

Apply today at brla.gov/joinbrfd 🔥

10/22/2026

For Ross Perkins, some of the best parts of being a firefighter happen before the calls ever come in. It’s the morning coffee, the joking around with the guys and watching younger firefighters learn the job and find their footing. After 19 years with the Baton Rouge Fire Department, those moments still mean a lot to him. 🚒

Perkins joined BRFD in 2007 at age 23 after working for a telecommunications company. He says the fire service has taught him the importance of working with people, looking past differences and keeping your ego out of the way. Now, as a Captain, he believes leading by example and communicating well are among the most important responsibilities of the job.

Asked what advice he would give someone just starting out, Perkins kept it simple. "Slow down, enjoy the moment and make the most of the experience. A career in the fire service goes by faster than you think."

Congratulations to Captain Ross Perkins on his promotion and continued service to the Capital City.

Are you interested in a career with the Baton Rouge Fire Department? Learn more at brla.gov/joinbrfd.

10/21/2026

🚒 We’re now accepting applications to join the Baton Rouge Fire Department.

If you’re ready to serve this community and be part of a team that shows up for Baton Rouge, learn more and apply at brla.gov/JoinBRFD

10/20/2026

After 31 years of service, Assistant Fire Chief Jason Graphia is retiring from the Baton Rouge Fire Department. 🚒🔥

Inspired by the film Backdraft to become a firefighter, Jason turned that spark into a 31 year career serving the city of Baton Rouge.

Congratulations on your retirement, Chief Graphia. Thank you for the years, the leadership, and the example you leave behind. 👏

10/18/2026

Baton Rouge showed up.

Firefighters from BRFD, St. George Fire Department, Prairieville Fire Department and departments across West Baton Rouge joined runners and walkers from across our community for the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk.

We’re proud of the strong relationships we share across our regional fire service. Today, we stood shoulder to shoulder to honor FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller and support Tunnel to Towers’ work for fallen first responder families and catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.

Thank you to the Baton Rouge Police Department, EBR EMS, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and last but not least the Robert A. Bogan Fire Museum for supporting the event, and to everyone who ran, walked, volunteered, and cheered. Together, we showed up for those who serve.

10/13/2026

Jon Westbrook has spent nearly three decades serving the city, and his promotion to District Fire Chief gives him an opportunity to share what he has learned with the next generation of firefighters. 🚒

Born and raised in Baton Rouge and a graduate of Scotlandville High School, Westbrook joined the Baton Rouge Fire Department in August 1998. He credits his father Jon Paul Westbrook, a plumber and pipefitter, with teaching him the value of a strong work ethic. During his career with BRFD, retired Deputy Chief Dan David helped him develop the leadership skills he brings to his new role.

When asked what this promotion means to him, Westbrook spoke about passing on his knowledge to younger firefighters and helping them become better at what they do; to take BRFD to the next level. The advice he hopes they carry with them is straightforward. “Take pride in your work, whatever your position. Take pride in the things you do.”

Congratulations to District Chief Westbrook on his promotion and continued service to Baton Rouge.

10/13/2026

After more than 31 years with the Baton Rouge Fire Department, Jason Graphia has reached another milestone in his fire service career with his promotion to Assistant Fire Chief. 🚒

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Graphia graduated from Belaire High School and attended LSU before joining BRFD in August 1995 at the age of 25. Graphia has shared that he was inspired to pursue firefighting after watching the movie “Backdraft,” turning that inspiration into a career serving the city where he grew up. His experience in the fire service also included part-time work with District 6 Fire Department.

BRFD congratulates Assistant Chief Graphia on his promotion and recognizes more than three decades of service to the department and the people of Baton Rouge.