A statewide burn ban was declared by the Office of State Fire Marshal on August 25, 2023, due to their authority under R.S. 40:1602, prohibiting all types of private burning without exception. Local jurisdictions were allowed to make their own decisions regarding the ban, but Franklin Fire Chief Chuck Bourgeois has decided to maintain it within Franklin Fire Department’s jurisdiction due to insufficient rainfall. The ban stays in effect until further notice.
Various types of private burning are prohibited, such as yard waste, burn barrels, fire pits, bonfires, campfires and any other open flames. Burning debris piles and land clearing for development are also forbidden. However, using gas or charcoal grills is permitted, but ashes and hot materials should not be disposed of on the ground to prevent fires.
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry stated that Agricultural Burning is allowed under the new burn ban. Agricultural burning involves reducing crop residue, boosting yield, controlling diseases and pests or preserving the productivity of agricultural lands by burning harvest leftovers from crops like rice and sugarcane.
Bourgeois thanked the residents of Franklin for their patience and understanding during this extended drought period and said the ban will be reviewed on a weekly basis.
You may view additional information regarding the statewide burn ban below.
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