Tiger Island Fire: The Tiger Island Fire, one of Louisiana’s largest wildfires, grew by over 33,000 acres this weekend. As of Tuesday, the fire was 50% under control, but it had already forced 1,200 people to leave Merryville. Agri and Forestry officials warn of a prolonged crisis, especially with dry September.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said, “No one in Louisiana has seen conditions like this before.” No injuries or fatalities, but around 20 buildings, including barns and homes, were damaged or burned. Mike Strain, head of Louisiana’s Department of Agriculture and Forestry, joined Edwards on a helicopter tour of the fire, emphasizing the need for preparedness. Strain said, “We expect September to be dry, so we need to be prepared and collaborate until it rains.”
The fire is fueled by pine plantation woods and trees downed by Hurricane Laura in 2020. On Tuesday, the weather got warm and dry again, and with strong winds, the fire could spread quickly. “Fuel stays dry, allowing fires to behave extremely,” officials said.
The wildfire is part of a unique trend in the state. “That’s nearly as many as we usually see in a year,” Edwards said about the 600 flames in Louisiana in August. The fires burned 60,000 acres. Drought and heat have aided their spread. Since August, many fires could have been prevented if people followed the statewide burning ban. Louisiana Fire Marshal agents have issued 20 tickets to rule breakers.
ALSO READ: Record Breaking Heat and Wildfire Smoke: Portland’s Climate Challenge
Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Texas governors have sent help in response. The Louisiana National Guard is also assisting in fighting the fire. Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama tweeted, “I authorized the [Alabama National Guard to send two black hawks and a chinook to aid in battling the wildfires in Louisiana.” Over 1,000 firefighters from the South are working to extinguish Louisiana’s flames. “We’ve given our all,” Strain said.
Officials advise following safety instructions in affected areas. Governor Edwards warned that ignoring the burn ban could be dangerous, as the state’s woods are suffering and jobs are at risk.
Strain emphasized the need for alertness and readiness in this scenario. Despite assistance from neighboring states and agencies, Louisiana remains on high alert and prepares for an unprecedented battle against wildfires.
Our Reader’s Queries
What started the Tiger Island fire?
The National Wildfire Coordinating Group reported that the fire has been 50% contained. Officials have confirmed that the “Tiger Island” fire, which is the largest wildfire in the history of the state, was deliberately started.
How much is the Tiger Island fire contained?
The fire known as Tiger Island, located east of Merryville, LA, south of Hwy 190, southwest of Deridder, LA, and north of Singer, has been fully contained at 31,290 acres. The total estimated cost to date for this incident is $16,881,714. The cause of the fire remains undetermined.
Who started the Louisiana Tiger Island fire?
State officials have confirmed that the Tiger Island Fire was deliberately set by an arsonist. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has deployed Certified Wildland Fire Investigators, Louisiana State Fire Marshal deputies, and a detective from the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office to investigate the case.
What started fires in Louisiana 2023?
The blaze was deemed by John Bel Edwards to be “one of the worst wildfires since at least the Second World War.” It is confirmed to have been started by arson and is currently spreading across parts of southwestern Louisiana, an area that was recently devastated by Hurricane Laura.