Burn ban continues across state due to lack of rain

A continuing burn ban in Louisiana is a response to ongoing dry conditions, low humidity, and high winds, raising concerns among firefighters about a potential increase in wildfires.

Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain noted that there have been 29 fires across the state in the past few days.

“And we’ve been having nine or ten fires per day.  So please be very, very, very careful,” said Strain.

Fire departments have reported that local burn bans significantly increase the number of emergency calls, as residents often report any visible fire, even those not covered by the ban. Strain says if you’re doing prescribed burning to monitor wind speeds and follow all the guidelines for prescribed burning.

“Once you light that match, if you’re a prescribed burner, remember you can’t leave the scene.  Please don’t be burning any brush piles. Brush piles are not considered an agricultural burn,” Strain said.

The dry weather is expected to persist, leading firefighters to remain vigilant as they prepare for potential fire outbreaks. Strain reminds people that burning wooded areas is illegal.

“Don’t burn the woods thinking that you’re going to do that so there will be hunting and other things after that.  That is private property and those burns can cause a tremendous amount of damage,” said Strain.