As the drought continues, firefighters in Sabine Parish remain vigilant to keep two wildfires that erupted earlier this week contained. South Sabine Fire Chief Douglas Downs said there are still a few hotspots burning.
“There are still stumps and things burning in that area, and it’s going to be in the containment area and that’s probably going to burn for several days if not weeks,” said Downs.
He said firefighters are monitoring the area 24/7.
Visibility in the area remains limited and he discourages any sightseers, so they won’t interfere with responding fire and power crews.
Downs said the extreme heat and dry conditions made for a perfect storm and it’s only exacerbated the situation for firefighters. As for the original cause of the blaze…
“It doesn’t matter what it was that day. I don’t believe an individual set that fire. But right now, with the heat and humidity and as dry as it is,” said Downs.
Downs said the wildfires would not have been contained without the assistance of neighboring parishes and state resources. He said the outpouring of support they’ve received from the community is overwhelming.
“I want to continue to remember all the ones that were affected by this, all the ones that suffered loss, remember them in your prayers, and also if you can just take a second and pray for rain. We need rain,” said Downs.
Downs also asks the public to be extremely mindful of anything that could spark another wildfire as the drought continues.
On Wednesday a volunteer firefighter was injured as a firetruck was backing up. Downs said he was airlifted as a precaution and has since been released from the hospital.
The statewide burn ban remains in effect.
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