Statewide burn ban ordered by state fire marshal
UPDATE: The Louisiana State Fire Marshal's office lifted the statewide burn ban on April 23.
A statewide burn ban has been issued by State Fire Marshal Butch Browning because of the public health emergency, according to the Louisiana State Fire Marshall's office, with an exception for prescribed burning.
The ban was issued after collaborating with Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, according to a statement from Browning. It became effective this morning and will last until the order is rescinded.
However, the ban does not apply to prescribed burns done "by LDAF, by those trained and certified by LDAF or by those who conduct prescribed burning as a 'generally accepted agriculture practice' as defined by the Louisiana Right to Farm Law."
"This burn ban is necessary to supplement the governor's 'stay home' order aimed at mitigating the spread of COVID-19 due to the anticipation that there may be an increase in open burning occurring across the state as families look for ways to pass the time at home," Browning said in the prepared statement.
The intent is to lessen calls for fire departments "as well as diminish airborne irritants caused by burning."
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