State officials announced yesterday that the devastating wildfire that ravaged over 33,000 acres in Louisiana — the largest in the state’s history — was caused by arson.
Louisiana has been facing an unprecedented wildfire crisis, with a record-breaking number of 441 fires burning from August 1 to August 24, according to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF).
The Tiger Island Fire in Louisiana is the largest wildfire in the state’s history. It has burned over 33,000 acres, which is more than the state usually has in an entire year.
“This is unprecedented. We’ve never had to fight this many fires simultaneously and at this duration. We’re fighting between 25 and 30 [wildfires] today,” said Mike Strain, the commissioner for Louisiana’s Department of Agriculture and Forestry, during a press conference last month.
“It’s burning very intensely. It’s moving pretty fast, and you can feel the air picking up. That’s from the heat of the fire sucking air into the fire,” he added.
WATCH:
This was the #TigerIslandFire last night in SW Louisiana. The fire grew to 14k acres, prompting evacuations! The fire was named for the hunting club it started near but the cause is under investigation. Thankfully it is now 85% contained but the fire danger is still HIGH in… pic.twitter.com/HPgF7UyX4Y
— Updates (@sirfupdate) August 25, 2023
Damn, Louisiana on fire too pic.twitter.com/ZE5tHFKvDk
— MrDaddy (@therealmrdaddy1) August 26, 2023
The LDAF’s Enforcement Division, along with the Louisiana State Fire Marshal deputies and the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives, has confirmed that the Tiger Island Fire was a result of arson.
In a news release, officials requested the public’s help in identifying the arson suspect.
“Investigators urge you to call law enforcement if you or anyone you know has any information regarding this fire. To report an arsonist or information regarding this fire, call the LDAF 24-hour hotline at 1-855-452-5323, the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337-462-8918, or the State Fire Marshal Office at 1-844-954-1221,” according to the news release.
All calls to the LDAF hotline are anonymous, and the Louisiana Forestry Association is offering a cash reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the responsible individual or individuals.
“The Tiger Island Fire burns east of Merryville, south of Hwy 190, and about five miles east of the Texas state line. The fire originated on August 22 in a wooded pine plantation and has consumed more than 31,000 forested acres. It threatened the town of Merryville and caused devastating damage to more than 20 homes and structures.
Multiple towns in southwestern Louisiana were placed under mandatory evacuation orders due to the fire, and state officials have implemented a burn ban to control the situation.
“Everyone should take these dangerously high temperatures seriously. The extreme heat has already caused a high number of deaths and sent even more people to the hospital. In addition, our state is experiencing very dry weather, which coupled with the heat has produced a number of wildfires. So far the fires have destroyed more than 20,000 acres of land and property. That is exactly why the burn ban is in place,” said Governor John Bel Edwards (D-LA).
The Tiger Island Fire originated on August 22 in a wooded pine plantation and has since threatened the town of Merryville, causing devastating damage to over 20 homes and structures.
The Democrat Governor of Louisiana, John Bel Edwards, was quick to blame the wildfire to climate change.
“Our state has never been this hot and dry and we have never had this many fires. We need you and your neighbors to help keep our communities and first responders safe. Adhere to the statewide burn ban. Don’t burn anything,” said Edwards.
Our state has never been this hot and dry and we have never had this many fires. We need you and your neighbors to help keep our communities and first responders safe. Adhere to the statewide burn ban. Don’t burn anything. #lagov #lawx #lalege pic.twitter.com/aRdzzkiDJT
— Gov. John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) August 24, 2023
The Gateway Pundit has contacted Governor John Bel Edwards for a comment but has yet to receive a response.
Earlier this year, “Gov. John Bel Edwards’ Climate Initiatives Task Force unanimously approved the state’s first ever Climate Action Plan. Louisiana’s Plan contains a balanced set of recommendations to limit the severity of climate change while positioning the state to maintain its economic competitiveness in a low-carbon future.”
Last July, “Edwards urged members of Congress to plan for future consequences of climate change, lead with science, act now and provide additional funding to states for infrastructure investments.”
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