Fire Department

We shall strive to prevent, prepare for, or to otherwise limit the extent of any fire or emergency.

Truman Welch - Fire Chief	Marvell Clay - Asst. Chief	Sikes Hamilton - Fireman
Willard Hutto - Captain	Sammy Burns - Asst. Fire Chief	Timothy Washington - Fireman

Vision Statement

As our city grows, so shall our resolve to protect and serve our community. To accomplish this we will never fear change, because change is the process for improvement. We will consider change as a regular well managed event. Through professional and courteous service our prevention, education, and training efforts, we shall strive to prevent, prepare for, or to otherwise limit the extent of any fire or emergency.

Home Safety Tips:

* Have heating equipment and chimneys inspected and cleaned every year.
* Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and
on every level of the home.
* Test smoke alarms monthly.
* Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to avoid the risk of
carbon monoxide poisoning.
* Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from heating equipment
(furnace, woodstove, or portable heater).
* Do not use your oven to heat your home.
* Portable space heaters should be turned off every time you leave the
room and before going to bed.
* Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks

Kitchen fire safety:

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United
States. Never leave the kitchen when something is cooking and always
turn pot handles in so curious children do not pull the pot down onto
themselves. Do not store items on the stovetop, as they can easily catch
fire. Keep kitchen appliances clean and in good condition; make certain
to turn them off when finished cooking. People who experience a cooking
fire should put a lid on it; if possible, turn the stove off; evacuate
their homes, and call 911. Home fires and injuries caused by fires are
not on anyone’s wish list. Common sense and a little imagination can
make for a holiday celebration that is not only enjoyable and festive,
but also safe. For more information, call the fire prevention office at
318-283-3353

Grassfires:

* Don’t throw cigarette or cigar butts on the ground or out of a
vehicle. Dispose of them properly and make sure they are completely
extinguished.
* Do not burn trash, leaves or brush outdoors any time in the City, it
is against City Ordinances. During certain times of the year burn bans
are implemented in the Parish.
* Keep a 30 foot “safety zone” surrounding the home clear of brush,
especially for those living in a woodland area. Grass should be cut
short in this area as well. For homes that sit on a steep slope, the
safety zone should be increased accordingly.
* Stack firewood at least 15 feet and uphill from the home.
* If conducting a controlled burn, try and have a water hose close by.
* Rake leaves, cut off dead limbs and twigs, and mow grass regularly.
Cut tree limbs within 15 feet of the ground and remove dead branches
that extend over the roof.
* Do not park cars, trucks or recreational vehicles on dry grass or
shrubs. Exhaust systems on vehicles can reach temperatures of more than
1000 degrees; it only takes about 500 degrees to start a grass fire in
the summer.
* Maintain equipment in good working order.
* Use an approved spark arrester on all internal combustion engine power
equipment. This special muffler helps ensure that sparks generated by
off road vehicle, chainsaws and other equipment don’t start wildfires.
* Parents should emphasize to their children the dangers of playing with
fire. Children who have no idea how quickly flames can grow and spread
start many grass fires.
* Homeowners who barbeque should maintain a 10 foot area free of brush
and shrubbery around grills and propane tanks. Non flammable screens
should be placed over the grill (with mesh no larger than 3/4 inch
thick). Never leave a grill unattended.
* Keep a shovel, bucket of water, fire extinguisher or other fire
suppression tools on hand any time while burning outside.