Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says he’ll ask lawmakers next year to approve $43 million for new firefighting equipment and personnel after the state’s worst wildfire season in history.
Strain says he has prioritized a list of equipment.
“So we’ll be asking for additional equipment fuel trucks, water tenders,” said Strain, “and transports.”
Wildfires in the state charred 62,000 acres and destroyed $71 million in forestland from August through October.
Strain says crews from other states would bring their forestry bulldozers and other special equipment. He says a big ticket item to add to the agency’s inventory is air tankers.
“We do not have any air tankers that are here based in Louisiana and so we would like to get three of those and strategically locate them so we would have the ability to drop water on above on these fires,” he said.
Strain says funding is critical in preparing for possible wildfires in the future. He says forestry-made bulldozers will also help crews to fight wildfires efficiently.
“Specially made pieces of equipment with proper cabs so the personnel can be in there and breathe even in a smoky environment so with special radiators and engines,” Strain explained.
The next regular legislative session begins in March.
