Due to the extremely dry conditions in certain Parishes within the state, State Fire Marshal, H. Butch Browning and, Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner, Mike Strain have issued a cease and desist order for all private burning, pursuant to authority under R.S. 40:1563. Private burning shall only be allowed by permission of the local fire department or local government.

This order is effective as of 0900 Hours, August 24, 2011, and shall remain in effect until rescinded for the following Louisiana parishes: Allen, Acadia, Avoyelles, Beaurgard, Bieneville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Cameron, Catahoula, Clairborne, Desoto, Evangeline, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, LaSalle, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, St. Landry, Union, Vermillion, Vernon, Webster and Winn

This ban shall not apply to prescribed burns by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, by those trained and certified by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, or by those who conduct prescribed burning as a “generally accepted agriculture practice” as defined by the Louisiana Right to Farm Law (R.S. 3:3601 et seq.).

Violation of this order could result in civil penalties.