As of Feb. 23 both Caddo and Bossier Parishes are under burn bans due to severe drought conditions and elevated wildfire risks.

In Caddo Parish, all outdoor burning is prohibited until further notice. The ban includes campfires, bonfires, fire pits, burn piles, and any other open flames. The National Weather Service recently upgraded Northwest Louisiana to severe drought conditions, and officials are urging residents to comply fully with the burn ban to protect lives, property, and emergency personnel.

Bossier Parish Fire Chiefs have also issued a burn ban for the entire parish, effective immediately. Elevated fire danger is expected parish-wide on Tuesday due to southwest winds around 15 mph, gusts up to 25 mph, and relative humidity levels below 25%. According to the Weekly U.S. Drought Monitor, the northern portion of the parish is classified as D2, Severe Drought, while the southern portion is D1, Moderate Drought. Dry ground and vegetation have significantly increased the risk of wildfire development. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry has advised that fire threat conditions are expected to remain high across the parish over the next three days.

Residents in both parishes should avoid any outdoor burning and exercise extreme caution with potential fire hazards until the bans are lifted.