The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office was asked to reach out to citizens regarding the state-wide burn ban put into place on Aug. 7 by State Fire Marshall Dan Wallis along with Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain.
To date there have been approximately 370 wildfires reported to/handled by firefighting crews across Louisiana for the month of August. It is estimated that nearly half of these fires are from persons who claim to have no knowledge of the state-wide burn ban.
Due to the extremely dry conditions statewide and the concern over first responder safety in these dangerously high temperatures, State Fire Marshal Dan Wallis, along with Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, has issued a statewide cease and desist order for all private burning, pursuant to authority under R.S. 40:1602.
To date there have been approximately 370 wildfires reported to/handled by firefighting crews across Louisiana for the month of August. It is estimated that nearly half of these fires are from persons who claim to have no knowledge of the state-wide burn ban.
Due to the extremely dry conditions statewide and the concern over first responder safety in these dangerously high temperatures, State Fire Marshal Dan Wallis, along with Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, has issued a statewide cease and desist order for all private burning, pursuant to authority under R.S. 40:1602.
Private burning shall only be allowed by permission of the local fire department or local government.
This order shall remain in effect until rescinded.
This ban shall not apply to prescribed burns by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, by those
trained and certified by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, or by those who conduct prescribed
burning as a “generally accepted agriculture practice” as defined by the Louisiana Right to Farm Law
(R.S. 3:3601 et seq.).
The use of barbeque grills, fire pits and small campfires for brief, recreational COOKING purposes are
allowed and not affected by the burn ban.
Violation of this Fire Marshal order could result in criminal and/or civil penalties.