Louisiana Wildfire Threatens Homes and Devours Acres
Wednesday, August 30th, 2023 PropertyOne of the largest wildfires in Louisiana history is continuing to spread and threaten rural communities. The Tiger Island Fire, which started about five miles east of the Texas state line, doubled in size over the weekend, growing to more than 33,000 acres -- accounting for more acres of burned land than the state usually has in an entire year. It was 50% contained on Tuesday.
‘This is not done. We expect a dry September. So we got to be prepared for this and all work together until the rain comes ... and then we can get back to life," said Mike Strain, the commissioner for Louisiana’s Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
He joined Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards on an aerial tour of the fire Tuesday. The wildfire had already forced the entire town of Merryville -- a rural area with a population of 1,200 people -- to evacuate. No injuries or deaths have been reported, but at least 20 structures, including barns and homes, have been damaged or destroyed.
