ST. GEORGE - The St. George Fire Department unveiled its new Wildland Firefighting Program on Thursday.

The funds, gathered from State Appropriations Funds and grant money, will provide wildland firefighting apparatus, specialized gear and expanded response capabilities.

Attendees included department leadership, local and state elected officials, fire service leaders, partner agencies and community stakeholders.

The event showcased new wildland firefighting trucks, specialized gear and equipment, firefighters in full wildland PPE and program demonstrations.

The department says wildfire threats continue to impact communities across Louisiana and the Gulf South and the program is aimed at better protecting residents, property and natural resources through enhanced training, equipment and specialized response resources.

Abigail Whitam, with 2une In, spoke with the St. George Fire Department on Thursday morning about the importance of the program.