UPDATE: Governor arrives in Singer to assess damage
Published 11:59 am Friday, August 25, 2023
- Louisiana National Guard aviators conduct water dropping missions to aid the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Louisiana State Fire Marshal office and local officials in combating the wildfires in Beauregard Parish near Deridder, Louisiana, August 23, 2023. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Scott D. Longstreet)
The Tiger Island Wildfire in Beauregard Parish — which was 85 percent contained Thursday night — is only 50 percent contained now as Gov. John Bel Edwards arrives in Singer to access damage.
Louisiana State Police spokesperson Sgt. James Anderson said the governor “wants to see for himself what is taking place and ensure that the responsible organizations have everything they need to ensure the safety of the community.”
Anderson said 75 firefighters from Texas have now joined local forces in fighting the blaze that has destroyed thousands of acres in the parish. He said firefighters are now draining local ponds to add water to the fight.
Current road closures are La. 27, from La. 110 to Ball; La. 119, from La. 27 to Merryville; La. 110 heading into Merryville from La. 190.
Up to three fires were in play Thursday night, officials said, and it has been determined that the fire near the former Phelps Correctional Center was caused by lightning. The tornado that was rumored to have gone through the area has been classified as a microburst.
