49-year-old Laura McLaughlin of Pitkin has been arrested in connection with the Rapides Parish wildfire on Highway 113 that spread into Vernon Parish. The Louisiana Forestry Association is offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those who intentionally set wildfires. LFA Executive Director Buck Vandersteen says the cost has been tremendous.
“Already the state has spent close to $50 billion trying to safeguard homes to put out these wildfires.”
Highway 113 Fire, which McLaughlin is accused of setting is 95 percent under containment. Vandersteen says and Lions Camp Road Fire is 100 percent contained and the Tiger Island Fire is 84 percent contained.
“The Tiger Island Fire, that fire has consumed more than 40 thousand acres.”
Anyone with information about the Tiger Island fire or any other arson-related wildfires is encouraged to call the Department of Ag, the State Fire Marshal, or local law enforcement. State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says these wildfires placed many lives at risk and someone will be held liable.
“We need your help to make an arrest and put these people behind jail in order to make safe our property. And when these fires start theres a risk not only to lose timber but homes and also lives.”
To report an arsonist or any information concerning the Tiger Island Fire, Highway 113 Fire, and the Lions Camp Road Fire call 1-855-452-5323.
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