Washington Parish Issues Immediate Burn Ban Amid Dry Conditions
Published 4:57 pm Sunday, February 25, 2024
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FRANKLINTON, La. – Washington Parish President Ryan Seal announced an immediate burn ban effective today, February 25, 2024, due to ongoing dry conditions and fire hazards. The ban applies to all outdoor burning within the parish, with the exception of prescribed burns conducted by certified personnel.
The executive order, 02-24, cites the lack of significant rainfall as a contributing factor to the heightened risk of fires. It invokes the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act, which empowers the Parish President to enact measures to preserve public safety and property in times of emergency.
The ban exempts prescribed burns by the Department of Agriculture & Forestry, those trained and certified by the same department, and burning practices under the Louisiana Rights to Farm Law.
This precautionary measure is to remain in place for 14 days or until it is deemed unnecessary by the Parish President. Residents are urged to comply with the ban to protect life, health, safety, and property.