The Tiger Island wildfire in Beauregard Parish, which has been burning for almost a week, has burned about 33,000 acres as of Sunday, according to a statement from parish officials.
"This is the largest fire ever recorded in Louisiana," Beauregard Parish Sheriff Mark Herford said in a Sunday news briefing.
Read MoreIn the early morning hours of August 24, 2023, and throughout the day, multiple wildfires devastated the area near Union Hill in southwest Rapides Parish.
Investigators with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Forestry Enforcement Division were able to determine these wildfires were caused by arson.
Read MoreGov. John Bel Edwards said the fires and conditions in the state are unprecedented. He did a flyover of the area and spent a couple of hours with local responders in Singer Friday, near the Tiger Island wildfire.
The governor said the severe drought and fires have created a situation not seen for generations. He said just this month there have been 441 forest fires in Louisiana and more than 30,000 acres burned.
Read MoreDue to an increase in fire danger across Louisiana, the previous burn ban order issued August 7th has been rescinded and reissued with an update for all agricultural burns, including but not limited to prescribed burns, to be temporarily prohibited until further notice.
Read MoreOn August 24, 2023, investigators with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Forestry Enforcement Division and the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Department arrested 21-year-old Jeremiah Hill of Many, LA.
As part of an ongoing investigation into recent wildfires in Sabine Parish, investigators received information on an individual who used social media platforms to broadcast threats of arson in Sabine Parish.
Read MoreWhen you think about harvesting crops in Louisiana, you think about things like corn, sugarcane, and soybeans. And with the record-breaking summer heat, each of these crops are having a tougher time growing than in years past.
As the chairman of the Louisiana Beef Industry, John Thompson says he’s never seen his farmland as dry as it is in his 66 years. According to the Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry, the amount of money we’ve lost in the cattle industry is between $160 -- 260 million.
Read MoreFirefighters in the state have been working around the clock to stop the spread of wildfires due to the extreme heat and dry conditions.
It's why GOHSEP activated the state emergency operations center Wednesday and held a press conference urging residents to adhere to the burn ban in order to protect those on the front lines.
Read MoreOn Monday, firefighter crews worked to put out a blaze in the Natalbany Woods.
The Natalbany Fire Department said the fire sparked around 5:45 p.m. along North Baptist Road. A structure close to the flames was saved.
Read MoreTwo Caddo Parish fire districts battled a blaze in Keithville, Louisiana Monday morning.
Just after 8 a.m. Aug. 21, Caddo Fire District 6 was dispatched to Ivory Lane in Keithville on reports of a large woods fire. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that the fire was spanning from Ivory Lane to Barron Road and requested Caddo Fire District 4 for assistance.
Read MoreScorching heat and a lack of rain have made much of Louisiana a tinderbox, causing wildfires across the state, according to authorities.
Sabine Parish has been hit particularly hard over the past few days with about 2,000 acres burned.
Read MoreWith a slew of hopefuls seeking offices in October’s state elections, two prominent posts were filled by candidates who attracted no opposition.
Typically, that happens to popular incumbents, such as the state’s commissioner of agriculture and forestry, Mike Strain. He will serve a fifth term starting in January.
Read MoreAgents with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry are weighing in on the dangers of wildfires and discussing the fines for setting fires during a statewide burn ban.
“It gets out in the grass, and it will outrun you. You aren’t going to be able to stop it. Then it becomes a wildfire,” Dr. Mike Strain with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry said.
Read MoreAgents with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry are weighing in on the dangers of wildfires and discussing the fines for setting fires during a statewide burn ban.
Read MoreQualifying for the October primary election ended Thursday and Incumbent Mike Strain stood as the lone candidate for Louisiana’s Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner. Strain believes it’s a compliment to his team and his work to help farmers.
Read MoreLouisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain signed up Tuesday to seek his fifth term in statewide office. A veterinarian from St. Tammany Parish, Strain won his first election to run the Department of Agriculture and Forestry in 2007.
The commissioner, a Republican, currently has no major opponents, but candidates have until 4:30 p.m. Thursday to qualify to run against him.
