Independence Volunteer Fire Department

08/27/2026

08/23/2026

The burn ban is still in effect. Please don’t burn anything.

08/18/2026

Burn ban is still in effect.

Yes, it's raining in parts of the parish, but a burn ban is still in effect for Tangipahoa Parish.

Due to the extremely dry conditions and at the request of the parish’s local fire chiefs, Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller issued a parish-wide burn ban on Friday, August 14.

“After talking with the fire chiefs and upon review of the local forecast, we agree that a burn ban is appropriate at this time,” Miller said.

The burn ban will remain in place until rescinded. Miller said the ban includes all open residential and commercial burning. The ban does not include bar-b-que pits, grills, or fire pits; however, the parish president asks that citizens “use extreme caution” if they utilize these items.

08/14/2026

🚨🚨🚨Burn Ban In Effect!!!!🚨🚨🚨

08/12/2026

Tonight your Indy firefighters were invited and happy to attend our local American Legion Purple Heart ceremony. To see, meet, and hear their stories is a real treat. Thank you all veterans for doing what was needed. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

08/11/2026

🚨 GRASS FIRE UPDATE 🚨

We are aware of the grass fire near the intersection of Hwy 1063 and George Road.

At this time, there are three small trees that are still smoking from the fire. Our department is aware of the situation and is monitoring it.

Please do not call 911 simply to report the smoke, as we are already aware of the situation. If conditions change or the fire begins to spread, please call 911 immediately.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience. 🚒🔥

07/17/2026

🙏🙏

It is with profound sadness that St. John the Baptist Parish mourns the passing of Firefighter/Operator Ovide “Oppie” Chenier of the St. John Fire Department.

Firefighter Chenier dedicated many years of service to protecting and supporting our community. Beginning his career as a volunteer with the LaPlace Volunteer Fire Department before becoming a career firefighter, Oppie demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the fire service and the residents he served.

Beyond his work on the fireground, Oppie was known as a mentor, instructor, and friend to many within the fire service. His willingness to guide and support new firefighters, along with his leadership and dedication to his fellow firefighters, made a lasting impact on the department and our community.

Oppie will be remembered for his generosity, compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to helping others. His legacy will continue through the many lives he touched and the firefighters he inspired throughout his career.

St. John the Baptist Parish extends its deepest condolences to Firefighter Chenier’s family, friends, fellow firefighters, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. We stand with our fire service family during this difficult time and honor Oppie’s years of dedicated service to our community.

St. John the Baptist Parish will forever remember and honor Firefighter Chenier’s years of dedicated service.

07/06/2026

A couple of pictures from our 100th year celebration parade. Thanks to all depts that participated! Couldn’t have done it without you.

07/04/2026

🚒🎆 TODAY IS THE DAY! 🎆🚒

Join us as we celebrate 100 YEARS OF SERVICE with the Independence Fire Department’s Centennial Celebration! 🇺🇸🔥

📅 TODAY – July 4, 2026
🚒 Parade begins at 2:00 PM
🎉 Celebration festivities from 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Come out and enjoy:
🎇 Fireworks at dusk
🍔 Food vendors
🎶 Live music
💦 Waterslides for the kids

As we honor a century of Bravery • Service • Community, we invite everyone to celebrate this historic milestone with us. Bring your family, wear your red, white, and blue, and help us make this a celebration to remember!

🇺🇸🚒 Happy 100th Anniversary, Independence Fire Department! Here’s to the next century of service! 🚒🇺🇸