A large prescribed burn of approximately 1,500 acres is underway in the Kisatchie National Forest north of Minden, producing heavy smoke visible across parts of Webster Parish.
Forestry personnel are conducting and monitoring the burn, which includes areas around Caney Lake and the Caney Lake Park areas. Officials said smoke and visible fire activity are expected to continue for several days as the operation progresses.
Residents first became aware of the burn after noticing a large tower of smoke rising over the forest. Authorities confirmed the fire is a planned, controlled burn.
Webster Parish remains under a burn ban; however, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is exempt from the ban. The agency has personnel and equipment on site overseeing the prescribed burn.
In addition to local and state crews, officials said forestry crews from New Mexico are assisting with monitoring and controlling the fire.
Authorities advised that smoke may linger in the area while the burn continues and encouraged motorists to use caution in areas where visibility may be reduced.
