Allen Parish man convicted of starting wildfire

An Allen Parish man was convicted of causing a wildfire while burning debris, according to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry (LDAF).

Timothy L. Caudle pleaded guilty in November and was ordered to pay a fine of $250, $240 in court costs, $232.50 for fire-suppression reimbursement and a suspended sentence of 20 days in jail.

Caudle was burning debris Sept. 9, 2025, when investigators discovered he was burning without establishing proper containment lines and left the fire unattended. The result was 2.87 acres of damage to neighboring property, according to LDAF.

This is not the first time Caudle has been convicted of wildfire-related charges.

"On Oct. 19, 2023, a fire that began on his property escaped due to inadequate fire lines, burning 323 acres of Rice Land Lumber Co.'s timber farm and causing more than $300,000 in damage," according to an LDAF press release.

Caudle was convicted a year later, received fines and probation.

"LDAF reminds residents that outdoor burning must be conducted responsibly and in accordance with state regulations," LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain said. "Neglecting proper precautions can lead to criminal charges, financial penalties and serious harm to Louisiana's agriculture and forestry resources."

LDAF urges people to ensure all outdoor burning is properly contained and monitored to prevent wildfires adn safeguard the state's timber resources, the press release said.

For more information about safe burning practices, contact LDAF or visit its website at www.ldaf.la.gov/land/fire.