News

Baton Rouge, La.  – For over a week now, multiple wildfires have devastated Vernon Parish. A large number of these fires are caused by natural or mechanical causes. However, wildfire investigators with the LDAF Forestry Enforcement Division have determined that the Lions Camp Fire – which threatened multiple residences and grew to 1,204 acres before it was contained – resulted from arson.

Baton Rouge, La.  – On August 26, 2023, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Forestry enforcement agents were notified by the Natalbany Fire Department of a suspicious person threatening to set a large fire despite being aware of the current statewide burn ban.

For information related to the Tiger Island Fire in Beauregard Parish, please visit  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/lalas-tiger-island-fire

Baton Rouge, La.  – In the early morning hours of August 24, 2023, and throughout the day, multiple wildfires devastated the area near Union Hill in southwest Rapides Parish.

Baton Rouge, La.  – On August 24, 2023, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) forestry enforcement agents charged Ryan Miller of Independence with fire raising on the lands of another by criminal negligence and violation of the burn ban.

Baton Rouge, La.  – On August 24, 2023, investigators with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Forestry Enforcement Division and the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Department arrested 21-year-old Jeremiah Hill of Many, LA.

Baton Rouge, La.  – Due to an increase in fire danger across Louisiana, the previous burn ban order issued August 7th has been rescinded and reissued with an update for all agricultural burns, including but not limited to prescribed burns, to be temporarily prohibited until further notice.

The USDA Forest Service marks a special milestone in sharing the first competitive funding opportunity for Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Forest Landowner Support programs. On Thursday, August 24,  Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced  that the Forest Service is making $150 million from the IRA available to support participation of underserved and small acreage forest landowners in emerging markets for climate mitigation and forest resilience. The application package has been  published on Grants.gov (Opportunity #USDA-FS-2023-IRA-FLS-01) . We will accept Track A proposals (from $2 million to $25 million) from eligible entities for the next 60 days and Track B (less than $2 million) anytime in the next 12 months.

Contact Info Public Affairs PA@usda.gov (202) 720-8998

Baton Rouge, La.  – On August 11, 2023, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) forestry enforcement agents in the southeast region began investigating a large wildfire in the area of Mount Hermon, Louisiana. During the course of the investigation, agents determined that the origin of the fire was near a campsite located off Firetower Road.