The Bossier Parish Police Jury has issued a parishwide burn ban effective immediately at the request of parish fire chiefs due to extreme heat and a prolonged lack of rainfall across the area.

Officials said dry ground conditions and stressed vegetation have significantly increased the risk of wildfires and the rapid spread of outdoor fires.

“We’re experiencing very dry ground and vegetative conditions,” said Ian Snellgrove, director of the Bossier Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. “These conditions will remain and could worsen if we do not receive adequate rainfall in our area.”

Under the burn ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited throughout Bossier Parish until further notice. This includes campfires, burning in barrels and burn pits, and any other open burning activities.

Cooking on gas or charcoal grills is allowed, provided residents use caution and properly extinguish coals after use.

The burn ban will remain in effect until sufficient rainfall is received to alleviate the dry conditions and reduce the fire danger.