Fire danger elevated in most La. parishes
- By LFA
- Sep 22
- 2 min read
State Climatologist Jay Grymes reported over the weekend that dry-to-drought conditions are increasing the fire danger over much of Louisiana.
According to a report from the Louisiana Farm Bureau, with more dry days predicted, wildfire threats are likely to increase.
According to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry (LDAF) website, five parishes have issued burn bans, including Acadia, Evangeline, St. Helena, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes. According to Grymes' weekend report, Allen Parish also was listed, but the LDAF website did not include Allen as of Monday, Sept. 22.
Forty-seven parishes reported elevated fire dangers, including five at Moderate, 26 at High and 16 at Very High.
According to the LDAF website, "fire danger is the probability of a fire to start, the rate of spread and the intensity of its burn." Here re the graduated levels, according to LDAF:
• Low Fire Danger: Fires do not readily start. Fires that do start spread slowly with low resistance to control.
• Moderate Fire Danger: Fires can start from most accidental causes, but the number of starts is generally low. Fires burn at moderate intensities; heavy fuel concentrations will burn hot.
• High Fire Danger: Fires start easily from most causes. Control of fires can become difficult if the initial attack is not initiated promptly, especially in heavy fuels. Most fires are controlled within the first burning period.
• Very High Fire Danger: Fires start readily and spread quickly. Resistance to control is high, as is the potential for large fires. Fire behavior is often erratic and "blow up" potential is high.
• Extreme Fire Danger: Severe fire conditions, the potential for fire disaster is high. Direct attack of fires is virtually impossible, fires often escape initial attack. Fire behavior is erratic, "blow ups" may be expected. Resistance to control is high, fires not usually controlled until burning subsides.
