A cease and desist order on outdoor burning has been issued parishwide due to extremely dry conditions and an increase in grass fires, according to Rapides Parish Police Jury President.

The order, dated Feb. 6, 2026, prohibits all private outdoor burning unless permission is granted by the local fire department. The directive took effect immediately and will remain in place until it is officially rescinded.

The burn ban does not apply to prescribed burns conducted by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, individuals trained and certified by the department, or those conducting prescribed burning as a generally accepted agricultural practice under the Louisiana Right to Farm Law (R.S. 3:3601 et seq.).

Parish officials urge residents to follow the order to help protect life and property during the current dry conditions.