The National Weather Service issued an alert Thursday noting “elevated fire weather conditions” exist for parts of north and central Louisiana, including Lincoln Parish and surrounding parishes.
The alert follows a wildfire in Winn Parish that consumed about 1,500 acres, endangering about 250 homes. No homes were lost in the fire due to the work of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, Winn Parish Fire Department, and other area fire agencies.
“Due to ongoing dry fuels in place, weather conditions will be favorable for wildfire growth,” the NWS’s Shreveport office announced. The NWS explained that low humidity levels coupled with gusty winds and critically dry conditions support the spread of wildfires.
While the alert pertained only to Thursday, dry conditions are expected to continue in Lincoln Parish until next week. NWS has forecast no rain in the area for at least the next five days.
The Lincoln Parish Fire Protection District has issued an emergency order banning all open-air outdoor burning effective immediately. This ban coincides with a Police Jury ordinance. Violations of the ordinance are punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 dollars, together with all costs of court, or a jail sentence not to exceed six months, or both.
The ban will remain in effect until lifted by the commissioners of the fire district.
“Outdoor burning and activities that involve open sparks or flames are discouraged,” NWS warned. “Please report all wildfires to local law enforcement as soon as possible.”
A map of parishes under burn bans is available on the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry website.
