Washington Parish Fire Chief's Association

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.

12/25/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas from the Washington Parish Fire Chiefs Association 🎄

The members of the Washington Parish Fire Chiefs Association would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe, joyful holiday season.

We are grateful for the continued support of our communities and proud to stand alongside the dedicated firefighters who serve Washington Parish each day. As you celebrate with family and friends, please remember to practice fire safety and look out for one another.

From our fire service family to yours, we wish you peace, happiness, and many blessings this Christmas.

12/16/2025

A Legacy of Service: Fire Chief Charlie Chastant

In 1995, Charlie Chastant answered the call to serve the citizens of Washington Parish Fire District 6, beginning what has become a 30-year legacy of leadership, resilience, and dedication to his community.

In 1998, just three years after joining the department, he was appointed Fire Chief, a position he continues to hold today. At the time, Fire District 6 operated with limited resources—an annual budget of $36,729, one station, three trucks, and minimal equipment. The department had two air packs, no more than three sets of turnout gear, two portable radios, two mobile radios, and fewer than ten pagers, often requiring members to rely on scanners or phone calls to learn of emergencies.

Over the next 28 years, he methodically transformed Fire District 6 into a modern, professional, and well-equipped fire service organization. Today, the department operates from two stations, including a dedicated training room, and maintains eight apparatus and a rescue boat. Firefighters are equipped with 30+ air packs, custom-fitted turnout gear replaced as needed, helmet lights, and radio straps—ensuring safety, accountability, and readiness.

Communications and operational capability were made priorities. Every firefighter is issued a Motorola APX 6000xe portable radio, supported by spare units, and all apparatus are equipped with both 700 MHz and VHF mobile radios.
The department is also fully rescue-capable, with an extensive inventory of Hurst extrication equipment, including cutters, combo tools, rams, airbags, rescue jacks, and additional specialized tools.

Chief Chastant’s tenure reflects not only growth, but sustained performance. Fire District 6 has successfully completed fire insurance ratings in 2007, 2011, 2016, and 2022, with another scheduled for 2026, demonstrating consistent operational readiness and sound leadership.

Throughout his career, Chief Chastant has led the department through some of the most challenging incidents in Washington Parish history, including the Varnado High School Fire, Bogalusa Paper Mill chemical spill and wastepaper fire, Bogalusa City Block Fire, major wildland fires, and repeated Jones Creek flooding events. He guided the department through Hurricane Katrina, which destroyed Station 2, as well as the 2016 Flood and the 2023 wildland fires. Even when fire struck within the department itself, his leadership remained steady and resolute.

Through every emergency, rebuild, and challenge, Chief Charlie Chastant has remained a trusted leader and steadfast advocate for firefighter safety, training, and service. His legacy is measured not only in facilities and equipment, but in the confidence of his firefighters, the trust of his community, and the lives protected through his commitment.

For 30 years of dedicated service, 28 years of exceptional leadership, and a lifetime devoted to Washington Parish Fire District 6, Chief Charlie Chastant has exemplified commitment to the fire service.

In addition to his service at District 6, Chief Chastant has faithfully served for many years as President of the Washington Parish Fire Chiefs Association. His leadership, vision, and dedication have played a vital role in shaping and advancing the fire service throughout Washington Parish.

We extend our sincere gratitude for his service and lasting impact. Thank you, Chief Chastant.

12/03/2025

On November 21st, Deputy Shawn Jones of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a medical emergency involving a patient in cardiac arrest. Deputy Jones immediately began performing CPR and provided critical care until additional units arrived. Although the outcome was tragic, his actions reflect the highest level of professionalism, service, and compassion.

Deputy Jones’s willingness to act and his dedication to preserving life exemplify the true spirit of a public servant. We are grateful for his efforts and for the ongoing partnership between our fire service and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Thank you, Deputy Jones, and thank you to all members of WPSO for everything you do to protect and serve our community each day.

11/27/2025

From the Washington Parish Fire Chiefs Association

As we reflect during this season of gratitude, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated men and women who serve across Washington Parish. Day and night, you leave your families, your homes, and the comforts of daily life to answer the call—often in the most challenging and uncertain moments.

Your commitment to protecting our communities, your willingness to sacrifice, and your unwavering dedication to the citizens of our parish are beyond words. We are truly blessed to have such remarkable individuals standing ready to serve.

To every firefighter, first responder, dispatcher, law enforcement officer, and emergency professional—thank you. Your service does not go unnoticed, and your impact is felt by every person who calls Washington Parish home.

From all of us at the Washington Parish Fire Chiefs Association, thank you for what you do, and thank you for who you are.