Effie, LA (6/26/2023)- The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM) is partnering with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Agriculture Crimestoppers Reward Program to appeal to the public for help with a tractor fire investigation that occurred in Effie last weekend.
Around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 18, the Effie Volunteer Fire Department responded to the discovery of a smoldering tractor in the 300 block of Effie Highway. The fire caused extensive damage to a John Deere 7820 tractor that was parked in a field on farm property.
During the investigation, deputies learned the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office (APSO) was actively investigating a recent trespassing incident on this same property. Additional details on that case are available through APSO.
Following an assessment of the tractor fire scene, collecting evidence and conducting witness interviews, at this time, deputies cannot rule out the possibility of an electrical malfunction or that this fire was intentionally set. Deputies believe the fire occurred after 10:30 p.m. the evening before, Saturday, June 17.
The SFM is asking anyone with information about this fire to contact our Arson Hotline at 1-844-954-1221 or share the information through our online tip form at lasfm.org. All tips remain anonymous. The LDAF’s reward program, sponsored by the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation and the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association, offers a cash reward for information that confirms this case as incendiary and leads to an arrest and conviction in any criminal case accepted and pursued.
