We call them a "Brush Buggy". The units are utilized to go into areas we cannot access with fire trucks and they help to transport personnel and equipment into fires, during the hot weather, this keeps our firefighters from having to walk and carry equipment into the fire location.

The units are all terrain vehicles that over the past month have proved invaluable to our crews in the response to the unprecedented wildfires.

Brush Unit 20, a 2011 Polaros 6x6 is equipped with 75 gallons of water, a 3 gallon foam cell, and ultra high pressure pump. The system allows us to quickly access fires in fields, woods, patrol miles and miles of fire breaks to extinguish hot spots. Ward Six Fire Protection District No. One currently has 2 of these units and after the last month recognize the need for updating this unit. Budget constraints are so tight due to inflation and the costs associated with daily operations, there is no funding left for updating this unit.

Brush 20 has responded to hundreds of calls during its service life, including rescue of persons injured in the woods, accessing hurrican ravaged neighborhoods, conducting searches following flooding and severe weather events, and fighting fires. Brush 20, at 12 years old, has outlived its service life, during fires the last month the abuse of the terrain, has destroyed the under carriage skid plates, mechanical issues causing the unit to quit operating during fire suppression, and as recently as yesterday, shutting down while personnel were evacuating from a dangerous wildland fire due to a sudden change in fire conditions.

The department is in dire need to replace Brush 20 so that this asset is dependable and firefighters can trust the equipment they work with.

We are seeking corporate sponsors that are looking to assist firefighters during this unprecedented drought and fire season. If your corporation or company is interested in helping us replace this asset you can contact the department at 337-786-2775, email: ward6fd@aol.com or stop by our station located at 108 Marcantel Rd. DeQuincy LA. 70633.

Ward 6 Fire usually doesn't make a post like this but we recognize the dire need to replace this unit to protect the firefighters that are working to save lives and property.