ERATH, La. (KLFY)-- Celebrating the 88th annual 4th of July celebration, News 10 captured the traditional water fight between fire departments across Acadiana for the first time.

"The goal is pretty much to take the water stream and keep it on the back of their heads," Fire Chief Chad Savoy with the Erath Volunteer Fire Department, said. "The one that keeps it there the longest wins the round or knocks off their helmet."

The tradition of firefighter water fights on the 4th of July dates back to the 19th century in the United States. The water fights involve teams of firefighters using hoses to spray water at each other. They served as a demonstration of the firefighters' skills and teamwork, showcasing their ability to handle fire hoses and work together under pressure. Savoy said the water pressure is 70 PSI. For the audience looking at the hit of the water on the firefighters’ bodies and helmets, it can look painful. However, Savoy said that isn't the case.

"It feels like a water massage," Savoy said. "That's how I look at it. Except for when they hit you in the jaw. I got hit at one time and it hurt kind of a little bit, but other than that, it's like a water massage."

The championship round was a battle between Erath who won last year and Mire Volunteer Fire Department. Fire Chief Savoy told News 10 that the LeBlanc Fire Department is usually their competitor, but Mire has been putting in work vying for the trophies.

"They've got a pretty good team," Savoy said. "So I guess now we have to worry about two departments."

In the end, Erath was crowned champion for the second year in a row. Even with no strategy one could say the confidence from last year helped. The fire department keeps its trophies and has another year of bragging rights. On the other hand, Fire Chief Shannon Richard with Mire said his guys had a blast.

"We want to bring that trophy to Acadia Parish for the first time. It's always been in Vermilion Parish. We want it in Acadia Parish,” Richard said.

Carlee LeBlanc 2024 Miss 4th of July was one of the judges and shared how the water fight is one of her favorite parts of the celebration.

“The water fights it’s very special to our town. Not many, if any others do it. So that's something that Erath does and then the Fais Do I love to dance the night away,” she said. "I think the biggest thing is just watching how our little town comes together as one. It's just so good to see the effort that our community and surrounding communities do to put this on together.”

Savoy said he's hoping next year to win again, but it won’t go without a fight from LeBlanc and Mire Fire Departments.

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