The Tiger Island Fire in Beauregard Parish and the one on Highway 113 in Vernon Parish both broke containment last night. State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain said the blaze at Highway 113 was making a run towards the town of Pitkin.
“It burned an additional 300 acres, and this started right about 6:30. All of the aircrews, because they can’t fly at night, had returned to base and the fire got up in the tops of the trees and started making a run. “We’ve got that down,” said Strain.
He said the Tiger Island fire also made a run last night but it’s now once again back under control and there was a flare-up of a wildfire in Calcasieu Parish.
Strain is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the arsonist in connection with the wildfires in Vernon Parish that have been active for more than a week. He said a majority of the blazes are caused by natural or mechanical causes, however…
“Our investigators have determined that the Lion’s Camp Fire, which threatened multiple residents and grew to 1,204 acres before it was controlled and contained was arson,” said Strain.
If you have any information about the Lion’s Campfire blaze or any other arson-related wildfires call the Department of Ag, the State Fire Marshal’s office, or local law enforcement. The Louisiana Forestry Association is offering up to a $2,000 cash reward.
“Yesterday there were nine additional summons that were issued. So, we’re up to over 30 citations for debris burning and we’re also making multiple arrests,” Strain.
Strain said the latest drought monitoring report indicates the vast majority of the state is listed in extreme and exceptional drought.
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