Despite a mandatory statewide burn ban in effect, fires continue to break out in Washington Parish and across Louisiana.
On August 11, a massive woods and brush fire in the Mount Hermon area required firefighters and equipment from 18 different fire departments to finally put the blaze out.
This past week, on Thursday, a fire right outside of Franklinton proved to be tragic.
The fire occured just off of the Woods Road at Rushing Road.
When firefighters arrived they found a large home on fire as well as several nearby acres that were burning. Unfortunately, firefighters later located the body of a man in the remains of the home. Official identification is pending but the victim is believed to be the 72-year-old homeowner who had mobility challenges. Fire officials have asked the media not to release the name of the victim until the investigation is complete.
Though the investigation is still in progress, following an assessment of the scene and conducting witness statements, investigators from the Louisiana Fire Marshal’s Office believe the fire began outside of the home and then spread to the home. There was evidence of several burn piles on the property, some located just feet from the home, but investigators have been unable to determine which, if any, may have been active around the time the house fire was discovered.
Additional fires in this area have been reported, and firefighters from different volunteer fire departments have been kept running.
Brandon LaSalle, Franklinton Fire Chief, said that the burn ban is important because conditions are as dry as they have been in a long time. Lack of rainfall and the high temperatures have combined to make brush highly flammable.
LaSalle said, “People need to be a smart neighbor. If your neighbor doesn’t know about the burn ban, tell them.”
He and other firefighters have been reminding people that this is the worst possible time to even consider an outdoor fire.
According to the State Fire Marshal’s office, violation of the burn ban could result in criminal and/or civil penalties. The person who is suspected of being negligent in connection with the major Mount Hermon area fire has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses.
LaSalle said, “Don’t take a chance. If you have any questions about the burn ban, call us (the fire department.)”
Investigators from the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office are shown at the scene of last Thursday’s fatal fire just outside of Franklinton. The fire resulted in the death of a 72-year-old man who had mobility problems. Fire officials are stressing that everyone needs to respect the current statewide burn ban because conditions are dangerously dry.
