Wildland Fire Resources in Louisiana

Table of Contents

Fast-moving grassfires, smoldering pine duff, and backburns that escape under shifting winds all make fire investigation in Louisiana a game of speed, science, and scene control. Add in vast tracts of timberland, rural access challenges, and increasing drought patterns, and you’ve got a complex mix for wildland fire professionals to navigate.

This guide maps out Louisiana’s wildland fire resources through the eyes of an investigator, what agencies run point, where you’ll most likely work, and how to stay one step ahead of this increasingly erratic fire environment.

For a clearer picture, browse our wildland firefighting resources.

Use this live tool to track wildlife activity and incident updates across Louisiana:

Louisiana’s fire terrain is as varied as its culture. In the north, pine plantations and dry hardwood ridges fuel fast-moving surface fires. Southward, marshy wetlands make access tough and hold heat in root systems long after the flame front passes.

• Northern Louisiana: Pine-heavy parishes like Bienville and Sabine are fire-prone during drought, with timber companies actively managing slash and understory.
• Central Louisiana: Mixed-use areas combine forest, agriculture, and industrial corridors. Powerlines and burning debris are common ignition sources.
• Southern Louisiana: Wetlands may seem like a fire break, but marsh fires can burn underground for days. Urban-wildland interfaces also present growing risk.

Add hurricanes, invasive grasses, and a long growing season, and wildland fires here often don’t look like fires elsewhere.

Wildfire Season Timeline

Louisiana’s wildfire risk is spread out, but peaks during certain windows:

• Winter–Early Spring (January–March): Dormant fuels, cool dry fronts, and human-caused ignitions dominate this season.
• Late Summer–Fall (August–October): Post-drought grasses cure, temperatures soar, and fire risk spikes, especially in pine plantations and rural residential zones.
• Storm Season (May–November): Not a formal fire season, but hurricanes can spark utility-related fires in dry post-storm conditions.

Most wildfires in Louisiana are human-caused, often from debris burns, equipment use, or arson. Investigators must be prepared for ignition points that are deep in timber or hard to access quickly.

Key State Agencies Involved

• Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF): The lead agency for wildland fire suppression and investigation. LDAF maintains dozer crews, engines, aviation, and arson investigators across the state.
• Office of State Fire Marshal: Investigates arson and provides burn regulation enforcement and public safety coordination during fire bans.
• Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF): Manages fire on wildlife management areas (WMAs) and supports prescribed burn operations.
• U.S. Forest Service: Oversees federal lands across five districts in Louisiana. Investigations follow NWCG and LEI protocol.

Local and parish departments are often the first to attack small-scale ignitions and assist with structure protection. Here’s a look at the key players.

List of Local/State/Federal Fire Response Agencies

• LDAF Wildland Fire Response: Core suppression and investigation force for non-federal land.
• USFS Fire Teams: Active in central and northern districts, following federal protocols.
• Local VFDs and Parish Fire Boards: Lead early suppression and burn regulation.
• State Fire Marshal Investigators: Often partner with LDAF when criminal activity is suspected.
• LDWF Burn Crews: Assist in controlled burn management and post-fire assessments on WMAs.

Contact Numbers and Emergency Links

• Report a Wildfire: Dial 911 or (855) 452-5323
• LDAF Fire Reporting Line: (225) 925-4500 | ldaf.state.la.us
• State Fire Marshal Office: (225) 925-4911 | lasfm.org
• Kisatchie NF Supervisor’s Office: (318) 473-7160 | fs.usda.gov/kisatchie

Wildland fire training in Louisiana is robust and NWCG-compliant, with multiple regional academies and seasonal opportunities.

NWCG-Approved Academies and Centers

• Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training Academy (FETA): Regularly hosts training events for wildland urban interface firefighting, ground fires, and field training.
• Southern Fire Exchange & SACC Training Initiatives: Regional opportunities for continuing education in fire science and tactics.

Volunteer and Seasonal Training Opportunities

• LDAF Seasonal Wildland Firefighters: Hired during peak fire seasons to support suppression and investigation tasks.
• Parish Volunteer Programs: Training and red card opportunities offered through local departments and burn cooperatives.
• University Programs: LSU AgCenter and Southern University offer forestry and fire management coursework with field training options.

Fire in Louisiana is dynamic. It hides in peat, jumps marsh canals, and smolders deep in pine mulch. As a fire investigator here, your tools are part skill, part grit, and part network. The keys: local intel, fast access, and agency coordination.

Stay sharp by:

• Subscribing to LDAF fire updates and burn bans
• Monitoring Red Flag advisories and air quality bulletins
• Participating in LWFA or SACC training refreshers
• Building relationships with local fire chiefs and forestry officers

Investigators who thrive here learn to think like the fuels they study, adaptive, fast, and tuned to the terrain.

How do I report a wildfire in Louisiana?

Call 911 immediately. If it’s on state-managed land, notify your local LDAF district office.

Is open burning legal in Louisiana?

Yes, but restrictions apply during burn bans or Red Flag warnings. Always check LDAF and Fire Marshal bulletins.

Who investigates wildfires in Louisiana?

LDAF handles most origin-and-cause investigations. The State Fire Marshal steps in for suspected arson or when criminal charges may apply.

How can I become a wildland firefighter in Louisiana?

Complete NWCG red card training via LWFA or partner agencies. Seasonal positions are available through LDAF, LDWF, and USFS.