The Office of Louisiana State Fire Marshal has removed exceptions to the statewide burn ban.  Due to an increase in fire danger across Louisiana, the previous burn ban order issued August 7, 2023 has been rescinded and reissued with an update to remove the ability for exceptions to be granted by local authorities. 

This new burn ban order by State Fire Marshal Dan Wallis, in collaboration with Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, in effect as of August 25, 2023, at 12 p.m., prohibits ALL private burning, with no limitations, pursuant to authority under R.S. 40:1602. This order shall remain in effect until rescinded. 

This updated burn ban order coincides with a separate burn ban order issued by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry prohibiting all agricultural burning including but not limited to prescribed burning. 

The already extremely dry conditions statewide, and the concern over first responder safety in these dangerously high temperatures, have worsened as wildfires spread across Louisiana and significant rain relief remains elusive in weather forecasts. 

Violation of this burn ban order could result in civil and/or penalties. 

Additional Information

• Original Press Release