The marsh fires that burned thousands of acres of land in Cameron Parish appear to be extinguished, barring any flare ups, according to Tim Dupont, Cameron Parish fire chief.

Dupont was notified of the first marsh fire at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. The fire was located on the south side of Troscliar Road. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it “appeared to be a four-wheel muffler” that ignited it, Dupont told the American Press.

At 11:40 a.m. the same day, a second marsh fire started north of Trosclair Road, and seemed to be started from a cigarette tossed from a vehicle. Investigations for the second fire are still in process.

Both fires seem to have been started accidentally.

Over a dozen firefighters were dispatched to extinguish the fires.

They were extinguished Monday morning, using 5 pumper fire trucks.

Alongside the firemen were citizens with heavy equipment – a bulldozer, skid-steer, a tractor and bush hogs.

Dupont expressed his gratitude for the community teamwork.

“I am extremely proud of our firefighters that worked around the clock with little to no rest to keep the community safe, and to the citizens that provided equipment and time to help with the fires.”

There were no injuries or damages to homes or utility poles.

In total, 3,500 acres of land in Cameron Parish were affected by fires.

He stated that they should not cause any long-term effects.

Dupont said the fires could have been prevented.

“Due to the extreme drought conditions everyone must be extremely careful of ignition sources,” he said.

Southwest Louisiana was put under a Red Flag Warning on Monday due to drought, low humidity, dry vegetation and increasing winds. Red Flag Warnings indicate extreme fire danger.

It is vital that residents treat ignition sources – mufflers, cigarettes, outdoor welding, grinding or cutting  – with extreme care.

“Absolutely do not set any outdoor fires under these extreme conditions,” Dupoint said.

Any sighting of wildfires should be reported to local law enforcement or fire departments.