The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for southeast Louisiana urging people to avoid open burning due to dry and breezy conditions. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue asks residents to take it seriously. She says between January and March, four people died from out-of-control piles and another person died yesterday in Bienville Parish
“Unfortunately we had another death in Bienville Parish yesterday where a victim was conducting an open burn on his property, was burned in the process, and unfortunately died,” Rodrigue said.
Rodrigue says the State Fire Marshal is urging the public not to do any outdoor burns for the next week.
“We know that dry conditions exist throughout the state, so we’re asking everybody across the state to just take a break,” Rodrigue said.
Forecasters say the lack of rain, plus low humidity and winds expected in Southeast Louisiana from Hurricane Ian contribute to the danger.
If you have a burn that just cannot wait until conditions improve, they advise you to keep any burns at least 75 feet from any structures, and keep a five-foot wet area around it. Don’t use flammable liquids around the burn pile, and do not leave the burn area while the fire is underway.
“Most importantly, remain vigilant over that fire with a water source,” Rodrigue urged.
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