Wildfire Threat High as Burn Bans Spread Across Louisiana
A Red Flag Warning and Wind Advisory are in effect as more than three dozen wildfires ignited across Louisiana over the weekend, fueled by drought conditions and strong winds.
Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain said firefighters battled 44 fires over the weekend and more than 30 on Sunday alone.
“We’re asking everyone, please do not light that match,” Strain said.
As of Monday, officials say all active fires are contained. Crews remain on scene monitoring hotspots, improving containment lines, rehabbing equipment and completing reports, according to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
Here is a list of parishes that have issued burn bans. The list will be updated as more are added, or existing bans are lifted.
Parishes Under a Burn Ban
Allen
Avoyelles
Beauregard
Bossier
Caddo
Calcasieu
DeSoto
Jeff Davis
Rapides
Red River
Sabine
St. Helena
St. Landry
St. Martin
Tangipahoa
Vernon
Washington
Webster
Winn
Vermilion
Burn bans prohibit any outdoor burning or activity involving an open flame that produces embers. They do not apply to burns prescribed by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, by those trained and certified by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, or by those who conduct prescribed burning as a “generally accepted agriculture practice” as defined by the Louisiana Right to Farm Law.
See a map of Louisiana parishes under a burn ban here.