Baton Rouge, LA. (9/27/2022)- Do not open burn, State Fire Marshal Dan Wallis pleads with all Louisianans to know the risk of fire danger.
The NWS out of New Orleans issued a ‘Red Flag Warning’ for southeast Louisiana throughout Tuesday, Sept. 27. It indicates dangerous wildfire conditions where fire can become uncontrolled quickly.
“This alert results from a lack of rain, the drop in humidity that occurred overnight, and the expectation of increased winds. The condition is due to the presence of Hurricane Ian in the Gulf,” said Wallis. “Even though this warning is for a certain portion of the state, we are asking all residents to please avoid any open burning this week. This precaution is for your safety and the safety of those who live around you.”
The plea came a day after State Fire Marshal deputies investigated the death of a Heflin man. The death is related to the victim’s open burning on his property. The 67-year-old’s death is the fifth this year attributed to open burning accidents.
“This is an unprecedented statistic for our state, and it should be alarming to everyone,” said Wallis. “These tragedies are preventable, and the prevention effort starts with avoiding open burning. When weather conditions like dry grass, dry air, and high winds come together like they will this week.”
Open burning is setting fire to any trees, branches, grass, leaves, brush, or debris by private property owners for non-commercial purposes. Open burning safety tips include:
Ensuring weather conditions, including wind speed and direction, are safe for burning
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.
Also, remain aware of and compliant with any local restrictions on open burning and follow the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality’s guidance on legal open burning materials, which can be found on the agency’s website.
