WJFD Adds Fully Staffed Engine
- West Jackson Fire Department
- May 1
- 3 min read
Full-time operation of Engine 31 will improve emergency response across the West Jackson Fire District.
BRASELTON, GA (May 1, 2025) — The West Jackson Fire Department (WJFD) is excited to announce a significant enhancement to its emergency response capabilities. Starting Sunday, May 4, 2025, Engine 31 will be fully staffed with a dedicated crew of three Firefighter/EMTs, bringing the department's frontline apparatus to two engines and one ladder truck. This crucial addition will allow WJFD to better serve the growing needs of the district, which includes Braselton and Hoschton in western Jackson County.
Engine 31, a 2023 Toyne fire engine, was initially purchased in 2023 as part of the department’s proactive fleet replacement program. It has served as a valuable backup apparatus at Station 1. Thanks to the recent hiring of three additional firefighter positions, WJFD is now equipped to fully staff this vital piece of equipment.
Last month marked another record high in emergency calls for the West Jackson Fire District, according to Chief Ben Stephens. Call volume is 13% higher than the previous year, a trend that continues to climb month after month. Since this time in 2020, emergency calls have increased 41%.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Fire Board for their continued support and for providing us with the resources necessary to keep pace with the increasing demand for our services. Staffing Engine 31 is a direct result of their commitment to excellent public safety," Chief Stephens said.
Engine 31: A Strategic Addition to Station 1
Engine 31 is a "sister" engine to the existing Engine 32. Until now, it has been utilized on an alternating basis as the department awaited funding necessary to support its full-time staffing at Station 1. This strategic deployment at Station 1 will immediately enhance response times and firefighting capabilities within the district.
Looking toward the future, Engine 31 is also slated to become a key component of the planned future Station 3. This forward-thinking approach ensures that resources are strategically positioned to meet the evolving needs of the Braselton and Hoschton community as western Jackson County continues to grow.
Understanding Our Fleet
It's common to hear any fire department vehicle referred to as a "fire truck." However, within the fire service, there are important distinctions.
A fire engine, like our newly staffed Engine 31, is specifically designed for fire extinguishment. These powerful vehicles are equipped with fire hoses, a water pump and a water tank, making them the primary tool for attacking and suppressing fires. You might also hear them referred to as "pumpers" or "fire pumpers."
In contrast, a ladder truck focuses more on technical rescue, search and rescue operations, and providing elevated access with its long ladder. The addition of a fully staffed Engine 31 complements our existing ladder truck, ensuring a more robust and versatile response to a wider range of emergencies.
The West Jackson Fire Department utilizes a numbering system for its apparatus that aligns with the Jackson County 911 numeric code. As West Jackson Fire is designated as "3" within this system, our unit numbers begin with the prefix "3." The subsequent digit indicates the station assignment. Therefore:
Station 1 houses Engine 31, Truck 31, and Squad 31.
Station 2 houses Engine 32 and Squad 32.
Vehicles not assigned to a specific station, such as the chief's vehicle, are assigned "30," hence Car 30.
The addition of a fully staffed Engine 31 represents a significant step forward for WJFD in its ongoing commitment to providing the highest level of emergency services to the residents and businesses of the West Jackson Fire District. We are proud to welcome the additional firefighters to our ranks and look forward to the enhanced protection this new staffing will provide.
The West Jackson Fire District was established in 1968 to provide fire protection for 30 square miles in western Jackson County, including portions of the cities of Braselton and Hoschton. The department’s two stations are staffed with full-time and part-time personnel, highly trained and ready to serve the community. Visit wjfd.org or follow West Jackson Fire Department on Facebook, Instagram and X to learn more.
Comments