Webster Parish will remain under a burn ban through November 17 as dry conditions persist across much of the parish.
The Webster Parish Police Jury unanimously approved the extension Tuesday following a recommendation from local fire officials.
Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Brian Williams said recent rainfall has not been enough to alleviate concerns about dry conditions. Minden, for example, has received less than 2 inches of rain recently.
Williams also explained that a change in state law now requires action by the Police Jury when a parishwide burn ban remains in place for more than 60 days.
Under the new process, parish fire chiefs may request an initial burn ban lasting up to 30 days. The Police Jury president can then extend the ban for another 30 days.
Once the ban reaches the 60-day mark, however, any further extension must be approved by a vote of the Police Jury.
The change means the October 6 meeting marked the first time the current ban required action by the full jury to remain in effect.
Williams noted that the November 17 date does not necessarily mean the ban will remain in place until then. Fire chiefs retain the authority to end the burn ban earlier if rainfall and other conditions improve enough to reduce the fire danger.
Until the ban is lifted, residents should continue to refrain from outdoor burning throughout Webster Parish.
The Police Jury’s extension comes as much of the parish continues to experience limited rainfall heading into the fall months. Local officials will continue monitoring conditions and can end the restriction before November 17 if conditions warrant.