Louisiana State Fire Marshal suggests against open burning in windy, dry conditions

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal says residents should avoid outdoor burning this week due to windy and dry weather conditions.

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) -- The Louisiana State Fire Marshal says residents should avoid outdoor burning this week due to windy and dry weather conditions.

Louisiana is not under a statewide burn ban, SFM said in a Tuesday news release, but five parishes have declared them: Beauregard, Calcasieu, Morehouse, Union and Washington.

“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 State Fire Marshal Bryan 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.”

The agency said some fire departments have gotten calls to respond to brush fires, with several escalating into wildfires.

Outdoor burning is described by SFM as setting fire to any trees, branches, grass, leaves, brush or debris by private property owners.

Safety tips from state fire officials:

• 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.

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