Burn Ban Issued Statewide Due to Tropical Weather Threat

Due to Tropical Storm Barry potentially making landfall this weekend as a category 1 hurricane, a burn ban has been issued statewide. Rainfall-induced flooding, storm-surge flooding, and/or high winds throughout the state of Louisiana are expected over the weekend, said a media release from the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal.

To assist in preventing potential fire-related dangers during what's been deemed as a state of emergency, State Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning, along with Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, have issued a statewide cease and desist order for all private burning, pursuant to authority under R.S. 40:1602. Private burning shall only be allowed by permission of the local fire department or local government.

The ban will take effect on Friday, July 12, and "shall remain in effect until rescinded".

This ban shall not apply to prescribed burns by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, by those trained and certified by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, or by those who conduct prescribed burning as a “generally accepted agriculture practice” as defined by the Louisiana Right to Farm Law (R.S. 3:3601 et seq.).

Anyone who violates this order could face criminal and/or civil penalties.