Unincorporated areas of Lafayette Parish could soon see additional fire protection. On Tuesday, the city-parish council voted to give notice of intent to create a fire protection district.

According to LCG Councilman Kevin Naquin, what’s being considered doesn’t apply to residents in the small towns or municipalities. He says residents in the unincorporated areas you are the ones who will have to make a decision.

Councilman Naquin says surrounding municipalities and the city of Lafayette Fire department pitch in to fight fires in unincorporated Lafayette Parish. “It’s been fortunate that we’ve been able to do this through the general fund but that time is coming to an end. We have choices to make.”

Naquin says the parish gives about $50,000 to each fire department for their support to unincorporated areas but it’s not enough. Naquin explains that the fire departments helping out have been sharing manpower and overworking their equipment. 

Naquin says one option would be a dedicated millage only for unincorporated residents and only for unincorporated fire protection services.

Naquin lives in unincorporated Lafayette Parish. “We have no fire hydrants in the unincorporated area so we rely on tankers and we rely on water trucks from the parish that were bought 20 years ago,” he said.

City of Scott, Fire Chief Chad Sonnier supports the fire protection district idea. Sonnier says Scott at one point was getting about $151,000 for fire support that’s down to $50,000.

“We’re actually losing a lot of money. It’s not fair to the citizens of Scott that we should lose financially to protect the people in the unincorporated areas because the city of Scott is paying for fire protection,” Sonnier adds.

Lafayette Fire Chief Robert Benoit says a higher fire rating — because of insufficient fire resources — could equate to higher insurance for homeowners and businesses in unincorporated Lafayette Parish. Benoit believes the fire rating concern is what open the door to the discussion. “Look at how many calls you’re making, the wear and tear on the trucks, and the training that goes along with it. Those things are expensive,” Benoit notes.

Naquin says the proposed millage will not have to be paid by homeowners annexed into another town or municipality. He explains the new town or municipality will be responsible for your fire protection services.