Fire crews from multiple parishes, cities, and other states continue to respond to the numerous wildfires that have plagued Louisiana this summer. Brooke Thorington has more.
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State officials are urging Louisiana residents not to use any open flame during these extremely dry conditions that includes barbecuing even at tailgate parties…
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The Tiger Island Fire in Beauregard Parish and the one on Highway 113 in Vernon Parish both broke containment last night. State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says the blaze at Highway 113 was making a run towards the town of Pitkin.
He says the Tiger Island fire also made a run last night but it’s now once again back under control and there was a flare-up of a wildfire in Calcasieu Parish.
Strain is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the arsonist in connection with the wildfires in Vernon Parish that have been active for more than a week. He says a majority of the blazes are caused by natural or mechanical causes, however…
If you have any information about the Lion’s Campfire blaze or any other arson-related wildfires call the Department of Ag, the State Fire Marshal’s office, or local law enforcement. The Louisiana Forestry Association is offering up to a $2,000 cash reward.
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Strain says the latest drought monitoring report indicates the vast majority of the state is listed in extreme and exceptional drought.
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You may want to cook your burgers and hot dogs indoors for Labor Day and Game Day this year. State officials say it would be too risky to light your grill under the statewide burn ban. Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle says we need to prevent what is already a serious situation from becoming worse.
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has issued more than 30 citations for violating the burn ban. Under the current revision, cars and trucks should not be parked on dry grass as tailpipes and other hot car parts can start a fire.
Tingle says as far as tailgating, colleges and universities will determine what the right fit is for them.
There have been 600 wildfires during August in Louisiana, and over 50,000 acres of land have been burned and two people died. Tingle urges the public to avoid cooking with open flames.
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Violation of the burn ban order could result in criminal and/or civil penalties.
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State police have released more information on the officer-involved shooting that took place Saturday in Vinton. Trooper Derek Senegal says it all started when Cameron Parish Sheriff Deputies attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by a man from Texas.
34-year-old Spencer Wilson led a pursuit northbound on LA 27 and passed through several streets in Carlyss and Sulphur. Senegal says Wilson hit a ditch and exited the vehicle towards a nearby open field firing at officers with a fully automatic rifle.
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At least five officers returned fire. Senegal says the female passenger was located near the crash scene.
The investigation is ongoing.