Beauregard Parish has been fighting the Tiger Island Fire for almost two weeks.

The wildfire was first reported on Aug. 22 following extreme drought conditions and record-breaking heat. It has now burned over 31,000 acres of land east of Merryville, south of U.S. 190, SW of DeRidder and north of Singer.

It is still 50 percent contained as of Friday, according to the Southern Area Red Incident Management Team on Friday.

On Thursday, engine crews began to break up fire fuels and scattered storm debris, allowing for greater access to the hot spots.

Pete Myer, operation chief, said in a video briefing that no hot spots — isolated areas that are smoldering with heat — crossed the dozer lines Thursday night.

“Last night was a real good night.”

On Friday, their main goal was to address hot spots along the Tiger Island Fire perimeter along Hoosier Creek and State Route 110, the northern perimeter by Nichols-Sibley Road and Stamps Road and along the eastern perimeter south of Neal-Oilfield Road.

Myer said these post a threat to the control lines.

“Today, we’re going to really hit it hard again. We’ve got a lot of resources, a lot of engines, a hand crew and dozers that are going to go out across the whole area of the fire.”

While reducing the amount of hot spots will take time, those on the ground are making good progress, he said.

“Since we’re in such a big drought, it’s going to take a while to really knock out these hot areas along the line, but we’re achieving that every day by going out there.”

The Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office stated in a news release Friday morning that Louisiana Army National Guard and Emergency Management Assistance Compact helicopter crews are continuing water-drop operations in Beauregard, Sabine and Vernon parishes.

Since Aug. 23, more than 1.1 million gallons of water have been dropped in these areas.

The incoming sea breeze front causes a critical watch-out situation for firefighters, but could eventually bring relief, said Jermey Michael, incident meteorologist. During the summer months, the Gulf of Mexico can reach temperatures as high as 100 degrees. The difference in high temperatures and air densities on the Gulf cause shifting winds inland.

“So you can get a big surge of air off of the Gulf of Mexico that comes in late afternoon, early evening. If you’re right on the coast.”

These gusts can reach up to 30 miles per hour.

“That can be a major expected change when there’s active fire on the ground and our firefighters are engaged.”

Issues can also arise if strong storms develop from the sea breeze front. However, the humidity that follows can help firefighting efforts, he said.

Southwest Louisiana is still being placed under daily Red Flag Warnings due to dry, hot conditions with wind gusts up to 15 miles per hour.

Air quality in the areas surrounding the fire, especially in Merryville, have been switching between moderate and good due to shifting wind, according to the Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program. During moderate conditions, unusually sensitive areas should limit prolonged or heavy exertion.

The statewide burn ban is still in effect. The ban prohibits citizens from burning open flames outdoors, and encourages extra care when handling potential ignition sources, such as mufflers, cigarettes and outdoor welding.

Officials asked residents to refrain from any outdoor cooking ahead of tailgating and Labor Day activities. Outdoor cooking is not banned, but if a fire is caused due to this activity, citations will be issued, according to the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal.