BATON ROUGE, La. (KADN) — Louisiana is currently not under a burn ban but people are "strongly encouraged" to avoid any outdoor burning during windy conditions this week.
High winds and dry conditions across the state have led to several brush fires that grew into "large and dangerous wildfires," according to State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams. He added some of these prompted the involvement of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
“Even though the current conditions are nowhere close to what the state experienced last summer, we need everyone to understand the ingredients for dangerous fires are in place right now,” said Adams. “These fires are resulting from small outdoor burn piles getting quickly out of control. They are proving to be challenging for firefighters and have destroyed properties.”
(KADN) — It was a busy weekend for some firefighters in Acadiana. Crews battled blazes in both Sunset and Duson on Saturday, Feb. 24.
He also said open, outdoor burning is defined as setting fire to any trees, branches, grass, leaves, brush, or debris by private property owners for non-commercial purposes.
If outdoor burning is unavoidable at this time, safety tips include:
- Ensuring weather conditions, including wind speed and direction, are safe for burning
- Confirming open burning is legal in your area
- Establishing a burn pile at least 75 feet from any structures
- Creating a 5-foot wet control line around the area
- Avoiding the use of flammable liquids to ignite a burn pile
- Remaining vigilant over the fire with a water source nearby at all times
- Alert a loved one or neighbor of your activities or conduct them with help
- If the fire does get out of control, call 911
