You may want to cook your burgers and hot dogs indoors for Labor Day and Game Day this year. State officials say it would be too risky to light your grill under the statewide burn ban. Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle says we need to prevent what is already a serious situation from becoming worse.
“Reducing the likelihood that we would do anything that would potentially start a fire. So that’s the thought process behind that. And the ask being, let’s all do our part to be helpful here.”
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has issued more than 30 citations for violating the burn ban. Under the current revision, cars and trucks should not be parked on dry grass as tailpipes and other hot car parts can start a fire.
Tingle says as far as tailgating, colleges and universities will determine what the right fit is for them.
“We’re trying to create conditions that allow as much of that fun activity that all of us enjoy. At the same time, not putting our first responders in a more difficult situation than they’re already in.”
There have been 600 wildfires during August in Louisiana, and over 50,000 acres of land have been burned and two people died. Tingle urges the public to avoid cooking with open flames.
“The reality is there’s something that all of us can do to be a part of the solution here. And to reduce the likelihood that these fires start in the first place.”
Violation of the burn ban order could result in criminal and/or civil penalties.
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