A cease and desist order on all private outdoor burning has been issued for Rapides Parish due to extremely dry conditions and an increase in reported grass fires throughout the parish.

The order, issued by the parish police jury president, is effective immediately and will remain in place until it is officially rescinded. Under the directive, private burning is prohibited unless permission is granted by the local fire department.

The 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 burns as a generally accepted agricultural practice under the Louisiana Right to Farm Law (R.S. 3:3601 et seq.).

Residents are urged to comply with the order to help prevent further wildfire outbreaks and protect property and public safety.