MULLENS, West Virginia — Gov. Jim Justice and the West Virginia Division of Forestry (WV DOF) today announced the arrival of vital new firefighting equipment to be used across West Virginia.
The new equipment includes:
- Two Type 3 Bulldozers equipped with specialized forestry and firefighting packages.
- Three Type 6 Wildland Fire Engines designed specifically for combating wildfires.
- Six new drones equipped with thermal imaging technology to assist in fire detection.
- Eight UTVs outfitted with skid units and water tanks for improved wildfire response in hard to reach areas.
- Seventeen pickup trucks fitted with skid units for enhanced firefighting capabilities.
“With fire season just around the corner in West Virginia, it’s perfect timing to get this new equipment,” Gov. Justice said. “Our hardworking Forestry members deserve every bit of this new gear. These aren’t just new dozers and trucks, they’re difference makers in protecting our forests and citizens. The day they received this machinery, they immediately put it to use to tackle a fire. That’s how bad these guys needed new equipment. We need to keep doing all we can to ensure they have what they need to protect our beautiful forests and keep our homes safe. This drought is also making things worse, and as it gets dry, things could really get bad. I’m really praying we get some rain soon, but we’ve got to be ready for whatever comes our way. At least we know that if disaster does strike, our teams are ready to face the challenge head-on with safe and reliable equipment.”
In 2023, Gov. Justice signed SB 1032, which provided $4 million toward new equipment. These funds were allocated by the West Virginia Legislature to purchase equipment to assist WV DOF foresters in fighting wildfires.
The new equipment was revealed at Twin Falls Resort State Park in conjunction with the Division of Forestry’s bi-annual Fire School, which provides basic fire training for all new employees at the WV DOF, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Section and West Virginia State Parks. In addition to protecting West Virginia’s forests and fighting wildfires, crews from WV DOF volunteer to assist with wildfire relief efforts in other states.
West Virginia’s Fall Fire Season starts on October 1st, and burning regulations can be found HERE.
“We are grateful for the leadership of Gov. Justice and the legislature for their support and the commitment of the employees of WV Division of Forestry as they work each day to protect the people, property and wonderful forests in our state,” James Bailey, Secretary of the WV Department of Commerce, said. “Although Fall Fire Season officially begins October 1, our foresters work tirelessly year-round to protect one of our state’s most
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Posted: Sep 18, 2024
SEAGRAVE—Burbank Paradise Fire Protection District, Modesto, CA, rescue-pumper. Marauder stainless steel tilting cab and chassis; Cummins X12 500-hp engine; Waterous CSU 1,500-gpm pump; 500-gallon polypropylene water tank. Dealer: Jim Demattei, Derotic Emergency Equipment, El Dorado Hills, CA.
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Posted: Sep 17, 2024
A veteran firefighter-paramedic from Kansas City passed away Tuesday following a medical emergency during a training exercise.
The incident occurred around 11:45 a.m. at Station 35, a high-traffic station within the city. Despite immediate medical attention and transport to the hospital, the firefighter died around 1 p.m., KMBC reports.
The firefighter, a 10-year member of the Rescue Division, was widely recognized for his dedication.
In a statement, the Kansas City Fire Department expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to his family and colleagues, offering support and grief counseling to department members, KMBC reports.
Visit KMBC for more.
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Posted: Sep 17, 2024
Louisburg Fire Department Captain Thomas “Ray” Patterson, 74, died Sunday after responding to a call out for a motor vehicle collision.
The US Fire Administration reported:
On September 12, 2024, Captain Thomas Patterson responded to two emergency calls. The first response was at 1:12 p.m. to a vehicle collision. The second response was at 2:30 p.m. to a fire alarm activation. After the responses, Captain Patterson returned home where, at approximately 3:25 p.m., he was found unresponsive and passed away.
His obituary is online here.
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