Orange County ESD 3

08/23/2026

08/21/2026

We are aware of the smoke in the area of South Teal. It is putting smoke into the Country Squire neighborhood. We received notification this morning from the Texas Forestry Service of a controlled burn prescribed by them at 9:45 this morning. Please just be aware and if you are in immediate need of assistance please dial 9-1-1. But please also note that this is a prescribed burn and it is being monitored.

08/18/2026

🔥🌡️ HOT, DRY, AND DANGEROUS — PLEASE READ

The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has placed our area under a Rapid Onset (Flash) Drought outlook. Hot and dry conditions are expected for basically the rest of August, with no widespread rainfall in sight.

What to expect through next week:
• Highs in the mid 90s to around 100°
• Heat index values of 105–112°
• Rain chances only 5–20% — isolated pop-up storms at best
• Soil drying fast, KBDI (fire danger) values climbing into the 600s and 700s

🔥 OUTDOOR BURNING — DON’T
Dry grass, brush, and low soil moisture mean a small fire becomes a big one fast. Please:
• Check your parish/county burn ban status before ANY burning
• Skip burn piles, trash, and debris entirely right now
• Don’t toss ci******es out the window
• Don’t park vehicles or equipment in tall dry grass — hot exhaust starts fires
• Secure trailer chains so they don’t drag and spark
• If you must use grills or equipment, keep water and a shovel nearby

🌡️ HEAT ILLNESS IS REAL
At 105–112° heat index, your body can be overwhelmed in under an hour of outdoor work.
• Drink water before you’re thirsty — and take breaks in shade or A/C
• Shift outdoor work to early morning or evening
• Never leave children or pets in a vehicle
• Check on elderly neighbors, and anyone without working A/C

Know the warning signs:
Heat exhaustion — heavy sweating, cool/clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, weakness. Get to a cool place, sip water, loosen clothing.
Heat stroke — hot/red skin, no sweating, confusion, headache, high body temp, passing out. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY and start cooling the person while you wait. This is life-threatening!

08/18/2026

08/17/2026

Thanks for having us to train with you guys! Any of us are only as good as the departments around us!

08/09/2026

Eighty-two years later, that message still holds up — because it’s still true. Firefighters can put out a wildfire, but only the people who live, work, and play in these woods can keep one from starting.

So in Smokey’s honor, here’s your birthday gift to him:
🔥 Never leave a fire unattended
🔥 Drown campfires, stir the ashes, drown again — cold to the touch
🔥 Check for burn bans before you burn
🔥 Never park a hot vehicle in dry grass

Happy birthday, Smokey. Thanks for 82 years of watching out for us.

Orange County ESD 3 🚒

08/06/2026

At approximately 2:30 PM a possible structure fire was reported in the 12000 Block of Highway 87, upon arrival the first unit reported heavy black smoke coming from the rear of the residence. Further investigation found that the fire was an RV in the back yard along with another vehicle and several small pieces of equipment. The fire was brought under control quickly by crews. We would like to thank Orange Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 1432, OCESD4 and Deweyville Fire for their assistance.