SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KSHV) – The National Weather Service has issued a fire danger warning as fire departments across the region work to keep grass fires under control.
According to the NWS, the entire four state area is under elevated fire conditions due to strong and gusty south and southwesterly winds, very warm temperatures, and low humidity. The conditions are causing grass fires to break out across the region.
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s deputies and Natchitoches Parish Fire District #1 responded to a large grass fire off of WC Jones Rd. around 3:00 p.m. Sunday.
The Hooks Volunteer Fire Department said they had two grass fires to put out before noon. Cass County ESD #3 has also faced numerous grass fires today. The Hooks VFD said multiple other county fire departments are working grass fires as well.
The Marshall Fire Department posted a warning on Facebook asking people not to burn anything in the city today.
“We would like to stress the importance of doing outside burning safely. Yes the ground is still quite wet and some of the grass has turned green, but most of the grass and brush is extremely dry. The last few days we have had an influx of grass/brush/woods fires across not only our area but the parish as a whole. Some areas have experienced property damage as a result,” explained Bossier Parish Fire District #1.
They also offered some suggestions to keep everyone safe while burning.
“If you need to do outdoor burning, please ensure you have a water supply that will reach beyond the location of your burn pile(in case it spreads), you have someone watching it at all times(even after it burns down or soak it down) and try to refrain from burning when the winds exceed a very very light breeze. We hope everyone stays safe and enjoys the wonderful warm weather we’ve been having.”
