Dauphin Island Fire Department Seeking Water Donations
By Dale Hines
Blue RAM Media/Public Safety News
July 3, 2026
DAUPHIN ISLAND, AL. We all know how hot and humid it’s been during the past week or so and keeping cool and hydrated is on everyone’s minds, including firefighters.
That’s why the Dauphin Island Volunteer Fire Department is asking for donations of bottled water, Gatorade and sports drinks.
Fire departments often receive these types of donations throughout the year, but living on an island can sometimes be more challenging so, the DIVFD is reaching out to those who could help them during this heat crisis.
“Sunday night we did have a structure fire,” Dauphin Island Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jeremy Tousinau said. Even though it was later in the overnight hours, “it was still in the 80s with a higher heat index because of the humidity. It does fatigue you greater.”
Tousinau said the scorching heat seems to be running a bit hotter than normal.
The fire department is volunteer, which means much of what these first responders use to protect the public comes out of their own pockets.
We can’t use tax dollars to buy food, water or any type of beverages Tousinau said and that’s why we’re asking for these donations at this time.
“It’s been, as we know, in the 90s the past couple of weeks,” Tousinau said. “But with the heat index down here, it’s been in the one teens to one 20s. And then you add the sand on top, white beautiful white sand on top of that. And that puts it up to probably closer to about 130s, 140s in the middle of the day, out on the beach. “
The volunteer fire chief is urging the public to play it safe this summer, especially while celebrating American Independence Day.
‘Wear your hat, wear your sunscreen when you’re enjoying your life on the beach, drink a water with every other beverage you’re going to drink,” Tousinau said. “Plenty of water. Drink a cup of Gatorade today with that water just to keep your electrolytes up “
Tousinau said donated beverages aren’t just for first responders, but also for anyone in the public that needs to cool off while they’re celebrating on Dauphin Island.
Tousinau said financial donations will be accepted though right now their emphasis is on the refreshments to hydrate his firefighters.
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