Grand Coteau Fire Department

08/20/2025

The Grand Coteau Fire Department is in a state of uncertainty after the termination of Fire Chief Riley Grisham, which led to a walkout by firefighters in support of their former chief, potentially…

08/17/2025

Our recruits are going strong! Did you know that GCFD has 6 volunteer firefighter in the Acadiana Volunteer Firefighter Academy? It is the first time in our agencies history that we have had this many recruits in a certified academy. When they graduate in December they will hold certifications in Hazmat Awareness, Hazmat Operations, Firefighter 1, and Firefighter 2!

08/17/2025

Lafayette Captain Coby Bailey clinched a finals berth on the PBS cooking series with a Cajun heirloom dish

08/17/2025

This is why it is important that the fire department responds quickly and that you have working smoke detectors in your home. This is also why it is so dangerous that the Town of Grand Coteau is laying off our firefighters with no justification.

40 years ago, you had 17 minutes to escape a house fire. Today, you might have just 3.

Why? One word: Synthetics.

Back then, homes were built with solid wood and filled with natural materials like cotton, wool, and real leather. Fires in those homes spread slowly, buying precious time to wake up, react, and get out.

But today, nearly everything in our homes – from sofas and carpets to mattresses, curtains, and even coffee tables – is made from synthetic, petroleum-based materials. These ignite faster, burn hotter, and release far more toxic gases. What once took over 15 minutes to become deadly can now engulf a room in under three.

In a dramatic test by Underwriters Laboratories, two side-by-side rooms – one furnished like the 1970s, the other in modern style – were set on fire. The vintage room burned slowly, taking over 30 minutes to be fully consumed. The modern one? Just three minutes. That’s all the time you’d have to understand what’s happening, alert others, and escape.

And it’s not just about speed. It’s about what’s burning. Modern fires produce more poisonous smoke – including carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide – which can incapacitate you before flames even get close. In fact, smoke inhalation, not burns, is the leading cause of death in house fires.

That’s why working smoke alarms and a practiced escape plan are more crucial than ever. Install alarms on every level of your home and inside every bedroom. Test them monthly, replace the batteries regularly, and swap out alarms every 10 years. Make sure everyone in your household knows two ways out of every room, where to meet outside, and what to do when the alarm sounds. And practice it – don’t just talk about it.

We may not be able to change the materials in our homes. But we can change how we prepare. And when every second counts, preparation is what gives you a fighting chance.

Learn more:
“Newer Homes and Furniture Burn Faster, Giving You Less Time to Escape” by Jeff Rossen and Josh Davis. Today, 16 Oct. 2017

08/14/2025

The Mayor of Grand Coteau, Louisiana laid off 2 firefighters at a town council meeting, offering no explication as of why.

08/13/2025

‼️ Public Safety Announcement from the Grand Coteau Fire Department ‼️

It is with great concern and deep sadness that we share news impacting the safety of our community. Mayor Patrick Richard has decided to lay off two of our part-time firemen — without providing any explanation other than stating it was “his decision” and that he believes we “have too many firemen.”

These firefighters are not just numbers on a roster — they are trained, dedicated professionals who respond to emergencies day and night to protect lives and property. The loss of these positions will directly affect our ability to keep our station staffed and to respond quickly when you need us most.

Our department is committed to serving the citizens of Grand Coteau with the highest level of readiness, but staffing cuts make that mission increasingly difficult. We urge our community to watch the video from the recent Town Hall meeting (linked below) and stay informed about decisions that affect your safety.

We will continue to speak out for the safety of our citizens and the future of our fire department. Your voice matters — together, we can protect Grand Coteau.

— Grand Coteau Fire Department

08/09/2025

Grand Coteau Fire Department Public Safety Message
"Fire Prevention Starts at the Outlet"

At the Grand Coteau Fire Department, your safety is our top priority. We want to remind everyone that proper use of extension cords and electrical outlets can prevent devastating house fires. These common household items may seem harmless, but when used incorrectly, they can quickly become dangerous fire hazards.

🔌 Extension Cords Are for Temporary Use Only
Extension cords are designed for short-term solutions, not permanent wiring. Using them for long periods—especially for appliances like refrigerators, heaters, or microwaves—can cause cords to overheat and potentially ignite.

Never run extension cords under rugs, through doorways, or across walkways where they can be pinched, frayed, or damaged.

Always check cords for cracks or exposed wires before use.

Use extension cords that are properly rated for the devices you're plugging in—check the wattage!

⚠️ Avoid Overloading Wall Sockets
Plugging too many devices into one wall socket or using multiple outlet adaptors can overload your electrical system. This is one of the leading causes of electrical fires in homes.

Use only one heat-producing appliance (like a space heater or toaster) per outlet.

Avoid "daisy-chaining" multiple adaptors or power strips together.

If you need more outlets, consult a licensed electrician to install them safely.

🔥 What’s at Risk?
Overloaded circuits and improper use of extension cords cause thousands of house fires each year across the country—many of which are entirely preventable. A single spark from a damaged or overloaded cord can turn into a life-threatening fire in minutes.

Let’s keep Grand Coteau safe together.
Check your outlets. Use cords correctly. And when in doubt—unplug it!

If you have questions about electrical safety or fire prevention, don't hesitate to contact us at the Grand Coteau Fire Department 337-662-5993. We're here to help you protect your family, your home, and your future. We can do a safety check of your home for free!

Stay safe!
Your Grand Coteau Fire Department

08/06/2025