Louisiana Cities’ Feud Threatens Fire Response

Broussard, La., officials say the city’s fire department will continue to respond to calls in rural Lafayette Parish, but city-parish government’s nonpayment for that service ultimately might put lives and property at risk.

The Advocate reports that information was contained in a letter Broussard officials sent to City-Parish President Joey Durel.

Lafayette fire officials maintain the larger city’s department can adequately serve the rural areas in question if Broussard cannot.

The fire protection contract could be one casualty in the ongoing spat between Durel and Broussard Mayor Charles Langlinais.

That dispute escalated last month when Durel announced he wanted to cut off formal service agreements with the smaller city, citing a strained relationship that dates back for several years.