Local fire chiefs, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) and the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds that the statewide Burn Ban that was issued on August 25th is still in effect.

The message is simple.

DON’T BURN ANYTHING!

On September 20th a new statement containing what restrictions are in place was issued by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF).

The burn ban remains as is. The LDAF burn ban prohibiting all agricultural burning, including but not limited to prescribed burning, is still in effect. This order shall remain in effect until rescinded. The LDAF will be meeting with our partners at the National Weather Service and the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal (SFM) weekly to reevaluate.

The same applies to the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal‘s burn ban. An active burn ban order that prohibits ALL private burning, with no limitations, pursuant to authority under R.S. 40:1602, remains in effect.

Louisiana residents can resume outdoor cooking with safety measures in place. These measures include using contained cooking equipment like grills and smokers, designed for cooking purposes only, on a flame-resistant surface with a water source or fire extinguisher nearby. The fuel source for this equipment (propane, charcoal, pellets, etc.) is not a factor in its acceptable use. The use of open flames in fire pits, campfires, barrels, bonfires, burn piles, and like open burning is still prohibited.

Simple facts regarding the Burn Ban

All outdoor burning is prohibited with NO exceptions. The use of open flames in fire pits, campfires, barrels, bonfires, burn piles, and like-open burning is included in the burn ban.

Outdoor cooking is not a citable offense, but if your cooking creates a fire that the fire department has to respond to, you will get a citation. Be sure to conduct all outdoor cooking with safety measures in place, including using contained cooking equipment like grills and smokers, designed for cooking purposes only, on a flame-resistant surface with a water source or fire extinguisher nearby.

Mowing and yard work is not banned; however, it is preferred to avoid mowing and/or driving/operating hot machinery and/or any activity that could produce a spark on or near dry, brown, dead grass because of its flammability.

If you have questions about the burn ban, please contact the LDAF Forestry Office at 225-925-4500.