REMINDER: Statewide burn ban remains in effect. Motorists should be alert and use caution because road closures could happen at any moment.
Friday, August 25, 2023 at 11:23:12 AM
BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development reminds motorists that the statewide burn ban remains in effect as extreme high temperatures and dry conditions continue. These hot and dry conditions make areas more prone to wildfires, which could lead to dangerous driving conditions because of low visibility. Some state routes have already been closed in Beauregard Parish.
Because of the severity of these conditions, roadways may quickly become unsafe for travel before an official notice can be issued by law enforcement or DOTD. Motorists should continue to exercise caution while driving along state roads and highways, especially those where wildfires have been reported. Motorists should also be aware of emergency response vehicles on or near the roadways. Motorists can find information regarding road closures and traffic by downloading the 511 app, visiting www.511la.org, or by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region about which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can access the system by calling 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Be aware that under these extreme circumstances, road conditions can quickly change.
Drivers should refrain from any actions that could potentially start a roadside fire. These include discarding cigarettes out of vehicles into nearby shoulders, roadside ditches or grassy areas. Drivers should also inspect safety chains to make sure they are properly connected. Chains that are dragged off trailers can throw sparks into already dry and hot grassy areas, causing a potential fire hazard. If you must pull off the road, try to find a place that is not grassy. Hot exhaust could spark a fire.
The Louisiana State Fire Marshal and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry issued a statewide burn ban on August 7. Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency on August 15 because of these ongoing extreme weather conditions.
In the event of an emergency, call 911 or the LDAF 24-Hour Emergency Hotline at 1-855-452-5323.