By Daniel Taverne
West Monroe, Louisiana-
In our local news over the past week or so, the reporters have ominously recounted tales of run-away fires and the increasing dangers of burning leaves in Ouachita Parish and the surrounding areas. They’ve reminded us that, just like Texas and Oklahoma, our weather has been very warm, dry and windy making the likelihood of simple leaf fires getting out of hand an almost sure bet. They even went so far as to inform us all that our Parish Fire Marshal strongly discourages burning at this time. This brings us to the topic at hand.
Upon hearing the 2nd fire truck of the day speed down Walters Road behind my house, I decided to go see just how bad the fire was. I grabbed my walking stick and headed that way.
Fifteen minutes later, I reached the fire trucks, but didn’t see the actual fire. I could, however, see and smell the thick smoke that hung in the air like a shroud.
What are people thinking? It appears to me that some hard-headed people won’t be happy until our area is the focus of conversation on CNN or FOX News because they insist on burning piles of leaves thinking that their little fire is of no consequence. Well, I’m here to say it is of large consequence! Just ask the hundreds of home owners who lost their homes in Oklahoma and Texas.
Until the Parish issues an actual burn ban, Wake up people, and take it upon yourself to refrain from open burning. Those leaves will still be there in a few weeks, and maybe then it’ll be a little safer to burn them.
Thank you.
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