PORT ALLEN — As of Wednesday, February 25, more than 20 of Louisiana's 64 parishes have issued burn bans amid dangerous fire conditions, widespread wildfires, and drought-level dryness across the state.

According to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, nearly 60 fires have burned more than 1,800 acres statewide since Friday. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain said more than 30 fires broke out on Sunday alone.

"We're asking everyone, please do not light that match," Strain said.

West Baton Rouge Parish is not among the parishes that have issued a burn ban.

When WBR Independent asked parish leaders whether West Baton Rouge is considering a burn ban and who has the authority to issue one, the response was largely silence.

What Officials Said — and Didn't Say

Parish President Jason Manola confirmed Tuesday that the parish has not issued a burn ban. When asked why, and who in parish government has the authority to issue one, Manola did not address those questions.

"Any notification of changes to this status will be issued through my Public Information Officer," Manola said.

WBR Independent asked OHSEP Director Deano Moran whether his office had recommended a burn ban to the Parish President and what the current fire danger assessment is for the parish. Moran did not respond.

WBR Independent asked Butch Browning, who oversees fire department operations through a private consulting contract, whether the fire department had recommended a burn ban, how many fire calls the department had responded to over the past week, and whether the department has the staffing and resources to handle a wildfire scenario under current conditions. Browning did not respond.

All three officials were contacted Tuesday afternoon. As of publication Wednesday, only Manola has responded.

Fire Calls in West Baton Rouge

Fire dispatch records show the department responded to multiple fire-related calls in recent days.

On Monday, February 23, fire units responded to a reported brush and grass fire near Grand Bayou.

On Tuesday, February 24, fire units were dispatched to a vehicle fire on South River Road near Dow Gate 11 at approximately 1:24 p.m. According to dispatch communications, the fire appeared to spread to a nearby sugarcane field, with a caller reporting the fire was out of control. A separate grass fire was reported at Sid Richardson and Highway 1 South at approximately 3:35 p.m.

Statewide Context

The National Weather Service issued Red Flag Warnings covering West Baton Rouge Parish beginning Saturday, February 22, citing sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph and relative humidity as low as 20 to 25 percent — conditions that allow fires to ignite and spread rapidly.

In Ascension Parish, Parish President Clint Cointment issued a parish-wide burn ban on Tuesday, effective immediately through March 24.

"The safety of our residents and first responders is our top priority," Cointment said. "With active wildfires impacting communities across Louisiana and conditions remaining extremely dry, issuing this burn ban is a necessary step to prevent dangerous fires here in Ascension Parish."

Tangipahoa Parish issued its burn ban on Sunday. Parishes across the state — from Caddo and Bossier in the northwest to Calcasieu and Beauregard in the southwest — have followed suit. In Mississippi, Amite and Wilkinson counties have also issued burn bans.

Not all Capital Region parishes have issued burn bans. But in West Baton Rouge, the question is not only whether a ban will be issued — it's whether anyone in leadership has considered one. As of Wednesday, no parish official has answered that question.

What Is a Burn Ban?

A burn ban temporarily prohibits open burning — defined as burning material on open ground without a container for the flame — until fire conditions improve. Burn bans typically restrict debris burning, trash burning, and open-air fires. Outdoor cooking on grills is generally permitted.

According to the LDAF, fire danger levels have reached critical thresholds in several regions of the state. The National Weather Service noted that meaningful rainfall is not expected until early March.

Residents with questions about fire safety can contact the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry or visit their Fire Danger Map at ldaf.la.gov.

WBR Independent contacted all parties referenced in this article and provided an opportunity to comment. Responses received are included above.

Photos: Dry conditions in West Baton Rouge Parish, February 25, 2026. (WBR Independent)