Natchitoches Parish Fire District 4

10/12/2026

Congratulations to Chief John Wynn, Jr. and the City of Natchitoches Fire Department For receiving a Class 1 rating , the highest protection level, from the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana!

Fire departments across Louisiana are rated on several criteria culminating in a final score: 1 being the best to 10.

NFD is one of approximately 20 fire departments in Louisiana to hold a Class 1.

09/13/2026

Saturday afternoon FD4 responded to a report of hay bales on fire. Multiple engines, tankers and crews worked to contain the fire which had involved approximately 120 rolls of hay and was close to adjacent structures.
Located in a very rural area, the closest fire hydrants were several miles away. The firefighters used a strategic resource, the folding portable water tank, to keep the engines flowing water constantly. Tankers made multiple trips to the closest hydrant to fill up, then once back on scene, dumped the water into the portable tank from which the pumpers drafted (used vacuum suction to lift the water into the pump).
Crews worked and finally had the area safe to leave around 9:30 last night.

(Photos courtesy of Firefighter Coltin McGee.)

09/13/2026

09/12/2026

NPSO: JOINT EFFORTS LEAD TO RESCUE OF LOST HIKER IN KISATCHIE NATIONAL FOREST

Kisatchie National Forest— A coordinated response by multiple agencies led to the safe rescue of a 75-year-old hiker who became lost Friday afternoon in the Kisatchie National Forest, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

At approximately 3:37 p.m., Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s deputies equipped with all-terrain vehicles, along with members of Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #4 and their all-terrain equipment, were dispatched by the NATCOM 911 Center to a report of a lost hiker in a wooded area off Sheard Road near the Longleaf Trail in the Kisatchie National Forest in Natchitoches Parish.

Deputies learned the lost hiker was approximately 75 years old and had an existing medical condition. Temperatures in the area were approximately 96 degrees at the time, creating additional concern for the hiker’s health and safety.

NATCOM 911 Center telecommunications specialists were able to obtain information that helped identify an approximate location of the hiker.

A Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office drone was placed on standby to assist with aerial search efforts if needed.

Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #1 and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS also responded to the area to assist.

Search efforts began after responding personnel obtained a clothing description, identifying information and medical history of the lost hiker.

At approximately 4:35 p.m., members of the Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #4 Search Team located the hiker in good condition.

The hiker was transported out of the wooded area and brought to a waiting NRMC EMS unit, where he was medically assessed and released without the need for transport to a hospital.

Sheriff Stuart Wright thanked all agencies and personnel involved in the successful search and rescue.

“This was an excellent example of teamwork and cooperation among our first responders,” Sheriff Wright said. “We are extremely thankful this gentleman was located safely, especially considering the high temperatures and his medical condition. I want to thank our deputies, NATCOM 911 telecommunications specialists, Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection Districts #1 and #4, NRMC EMS and everyone involved in this response. Their quick actions, communication and coordination helped bring this incident to a successful conclusion.”

Sheriff Wright also reminds residents and visitors to use caution when hiking or participating in outdoor activities, particularly during periods of extreme heat.

HIKING SAFETY TIPS:

Tell a family member or friend where you are going, the trail you plan to use and when you expect to return.

Carry a fully charged cellphone and, when possible, a portable battery or charging device.

Take plenty of drinking water, especially during hot weather.

Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the terrain and weather conditions.

Avoid hiking alone whenever possible.

Remain on marked trails and become familiar with the area before beginning your hike.

Carry identification and important medical information, particularly if you have an existing medical condition.

Pay attention to weather conditions and heat advisories before entering remote areas.

Consider carrying a map, compass or GPS device in areas where cellphone service may be limited.

If you become lost, remain calm and contact 911 as soon as possible. Avoid unnecessarily moving farther away from your last known location unless remaining there presents an immediate danger.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone enjoying the Kisatchie National Forest and other outdoor areas of Natchitoches Parish to plan ahead and take reasonable precautions before entering remote or wooded areas.

09/11/2026

Twenty. Five. Years.
We have not forgotten.

08/15/2026

The members of Fire District 4 would like to express our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Billy Shugart. Billy was associated with Fire District 4 for more than 20 years, serving as a firefighter, driver and also a member of the Fire Board for the past several years. Always a public servant, he brought the same passion to Fire District 4 as he did to his work in law enforcement, the ministry as well as his time served in the military. His easygoing style and the level of wisdom he brought to the table greatly contributed to our ability to serve the residents of our District. We are grateful for his dedication and service to Fire District 4.

08/14/2026

For the next several days temps in our area will be in the high 90s-100 degrees. With no rain in sight, the potential for fire is extremely high, as well as heat-related injuries.

Some facts from heat.gov about high temperature risk factors and affected populations (image):

The places where an individual lives, works, plays, and learns can influence how much heat they are exposed to. There are three key factors that put some people at higher risk from heat than others:

Exposure: Some people are more exposed to high temperatures than others, such as those who spend long hours working or exercising outside, those experiencing homeless, or those who live in buildings without air conditioning.

Sensitivity: Some people are less tolerant of heat than others, such as infants, young children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with certain health conditions made worse by heat exposure. Certain medications can also affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature. People can be more sensitive to heat if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs that affect their ability to stay hydrated.

Ability to respond and prepare: Some people are less able to avoid heat than others, such as those with limited incomes who cannot afford air conditioning or the electricity to use it, people with mobility issues that prevent them from seeking health care or going to a cooling center during a heat wave, or those with outdoor jobs. Some people are less motivated to leave their homes for cooler places due to inability to bring pets, fear of crime, or concerns about being a burden to others.

If you have elderly or disabled neighbors, please check on them during extreme temperatures - you could save a life!

For more information visit the heat.gov website; https://heat.gov/who-is-most-at-risk-to-extreme-heat/

08/13/2026

BURN BAN EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY!
Natchitoches Parish has declared a Burn Ban is in effect for all areas outside of any incorporated city limits in the Parish.

Extremely dry conditions have increased the risk of fire spreading from controlled burns, trash and debris burn piles, sparks from dragging chains, and other spark and errant ember inducing situations.

Please extinguish any fires you may have already burning, check the safety chains on trailers before moving, dispose of ci******es properly, avoid parking hot engines/equipment on dry grass/leaves and running equipment without spark arrestors.

If you do have a fire that you think is getting or about to get out of control, call 911 immediately and let the dispatcher know exactly where the fire is, and if any building/structures are in danger!

07/04/2026