Rapides woman convicted of negligent burning

A Rapides Parish resident has been convicted of causing a wildfire that burned about 27 acres after a household trash and limbs fire got out of control, according to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry (LDAF).

Carrie Willis, no age or address given, was arrested in March 2023 after a fire on her property spread to a nearby pine plantation. On Feb. 11, 2026, Willis was found guilty of negligent burning before a judge and sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay $872.28 in fire suppression costs. Willis also was ordered to pay almost $9,000 in restitution to Roy O. Martin for damages to its pine plantation.

"LDAF reminds residents that outdoor burning must be conducted responsibly and in accordance with state regulations," LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain said. "Failure to take proper precautions can result in criminal charges, financial liability and significant damage to Louisiana's valuable agriculture and forestry resources."

More information aobut safe burning practices can be found on the LDAF website at www.ldaf.state.la.us.