Burn notice

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jeff Walston
  • 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale AFB, La. --  For some states, the continuing drought of 2011 will undoubtedly go down in history as the worst ever recorded. In the state of Texas alone, local and state firefighters have responded to more than 20,900 fires that have destroyed more than 1,000 homes, burned more than 3.6 million acres and killed four people.

As temperatures start their yearly downward trend, and the Shreveport/Bossier City area recently experienced its first simple rains in quite a while, it must not be forgotten that the area is still very dry. So, don't let your guard down. A dry wind can undo the effects of a rain in mere hours, putting the area back into a high risk of catching fire.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry reports "abnormally high wild land fire danger conditions are expected in Louisiana for the next few days."

Although Louisiana has not been hit as hard as Texas with wildfires this year, the opportunity for disaster is still just a spark away at any given time, and the loss of life and property would be devastating.

As hunting seasons approach, and at a time of the year where normally families might be out on the back porch roasting marshmallows on an open pit fire, Louisiana and other states' residents find themselves unable to enjoy such practices.

Louisiana parishes currently under outdoor burning ban orders include: Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Cameron, Catahoula, Claiborne, Desoto, Evangeline, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson, Davis, LaSalle, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Point Coupee, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, St. Landry, Union, Vermillion, Vernon, Webster and Winn.

Barksdale Air Force Base, La., is one of the largest bases in the United States, and it is up to all of us to keep Louisiana and Barksdale free from the devastation of wild fires. So, be ever watchful for smoke and wildfires in the early stages.

There is no indication as to when burn bans may be lifted in Bossier Parish, so be vigilant and practice common sense wildfire prevention, such as clearing excessive vegetation and fuel such as pine needles and dry leaves at least 30 feet away from your home and other structures. Avoid parking vehicles, including recreational vehicles or equipment on dry grass, and re-fuel machinery on areas void of vegetation.

The LDAF emergency hotline number is (855) 452-5323