Dry, Windy Conditions Spawn Multiple Wildfires Across Louisiana

According to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, fire crews remain on alert statewide as Red Flag conditions persist. Officials warn that even contained fires can reignite quickly under current weather conditions.

unusual wildfires 1280.jpg

BATON ROUGE, La. (RFD NEWS) — Fire crews across Louisiana are continuing to monitor and mop up multiple wildfires that ignited over the weekend, fueled by dry vegetation, low humidity, and gusty winds. State forestry officials say dozens of fires sparked across the state, with most now contained but still posing concerns due to lingering hotspots.

Some of the largest fires were reported in St. Tammany Parish, where a blaze near Abita Springs and Lacombe burned more than 400 acres and temporarily forced the closure of Interstate 12. Significant fires were also confirmed in Beauregard Parish, Webster Parish, Livingston Parish, and Allen Parish, with several incidents flaring back up after initially being contained.

Strong winds reportedly caused at least one blaze to “jump” across a major roadway, a phenomenon considered extremely unusual since roads typically slow the spread of wildfires,

According to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, fire crews remain on alert statewide as Red Flag conditions persist. Officials warn that even contained fires can reignite quickly under current weather conditions.

Burn bans are in effect in numerous parishes, and residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and any activities that could spark new fires. Forestry officials stress that fire danger remains high until meaningful rainfall returns to the region.

RFD News will continue to track conditions and provide updates as the situation develops.

Related Stories
The Cotton Jassid previously detected in Georgia has now made its way to the Lone Star State.
Experts estimate the flooding from Hurricane Helene caused more than $1.3 billion in damage to Tennessee agriculture.
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report with his insights on the incident and a deeper dive into the issues at hand.
The Tennessee State Fair features a variety of attractions, including rides, tasty foods, and dozens of agricultural competitions to enter and win. But what goes into picking achievements in each category?
Tom Peterson with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association says taxpayers are “unfortunate casualties” of this overlay now that the Mexican wolf population is stable under ESA guidelines.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Dr. Kelly Bruns from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture discusses how the college prepares students for careers in agriculture.
Bankruptcy filings reflect prolonged margin pressure, rising debt, and limited financial flexibility across farm country. Bigger operating loans are helping farms manage costs, but they also signal growing reliance on borrowed capital.
USDA’s February WASDE report, analysts expect minimal price movement as grain stocks remain steady. Traders weigh renewed Chinese soybean purchases, South American weather, acreage shifts, and upcoming USMCA trade talks.
RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey was in Mission, Texas, where state and federal officials addressed growers and producers at a round table event hosted at a citrus grower’s facility. He shows us how welcome news was all around.
Nationwide highlights expanded insurance options for cattle operations and their company initiatives to promote grain bin safety and support women in agriculture.
New Holland VP Ryan Schaefer shares insights into the brand’s legacy and innovations that support U.S. cattle producers.