State

Aviators with the Louisiana National Guard and Alabama National Guard respond to wildfires in Vernon Parish on Aug. 31. Aviators use a bambi bucket to retrieve water and splash nearly 600 gallons of water at a time on the fires. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Noshoba Davis)

Aviators with the Louisiana National Guard and Alabama National Guard respond to wildfires in Vernon Parish on Aug. 31. Aviators use a bambi bucket to retrieve water and splash nearly 600 gallons of water at a time on the fires. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Noshoba Davis)

Multiple states help Louisiana National Guard fight wildfires

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
As the Louisiana National Guard assisted the State in fighting wildfires, more than 40 Guard men and women from other states stepped up to help LANG protect what matters.
Burned pine trees tower above foresters Paul Stone, left, of Crosby Resource Management, and Robbie Hutchins, of the LSU AgCenter, as they survey damage from recent wildfires near the Westport community in Rapides Parish on Sept. 5. (Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

Burned pine trees tower above foresters Paul Stone, left, of Crosby Resource Management, and Robbie Hutchins, of the LSU AgCenter, as they survey damage from recent wildfires near the Westport community in Rapides Parish on Sept. 5. (Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

‘It is really tragic’: Wildfires wipe out income for Louisiana forest landowners

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
In west-central Louisiana, where wildfires have ravaged thousands of acres of drought-stricken forests in recent weeks, more has been lost than just trees.
Compact Cinnamon Girl distylium is a versatile and attractive evergreen shrub prized for its gorgeous foliage, unique growth habit and year-round appeal. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Compact Cinnamon Girl distylium is a versatile and attractive evergreen shrub prized for its gorgeous foliage, unique growth habit and year-round appeal. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Cinnamon Girl distylium selected as Louisiana Super Plant for fall 2023

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, September 8, 2023
The LSU AgCenter is pleased to announce its 2023 fall Louisiana Super Plant selection: Cinnamon Girl distylium (Distylium ‘PIIDIST-V’). Distylium hybrids are relatively new to the plant nursery trade, making their debut in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Louisiana National Guard aviators conduct water-bucket missions assisting the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Louisiana State Fire Marshal office and local officials in combating the wildfires in Beauregard Parish, on Aug. 23. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Scott D. Longstreet)

Louisiana National Guard aviators conduct water-bucket missions assisting the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Louisiana State Fire Marshal office and local officials in combating the wildfires in Beauregard Parish, on Aug. 23. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Scott D. Longstreet)

Louisiana, like other Southern states, relies on outside airborne help to fight wildfires

(not verified)
Friday, September 8, 2023
Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain said last week he will ask the legislature for money to buy more firefighting equipment, including a tanker airplane that can drop water on blazes from above.
An image of a wildfire in Beauregard Parish from drone video taken Saturday. (Louisiana State Police)

An image of a wildfire in Beauregard Parish from drone video taken Saturday. (Louisiana State Police)

Poor air quality from Louisiana wildfires could become more common

(not verified)
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Jeff Parker stayed inside his St. Roch home as much as possible the last week of August, as people all around New Orleans reported smelling smoke in the air.

DOTD asking for comments about EV charging stations

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD) is preparing to administer the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging station infrastructure throughout the state, made possible through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) signed into law by President...
Wilted plants show signs of lacking the water necessary for healthy growth. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Wilted plants show signs of lacking the water necessary for healthy growth. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Dos and don’ts in the garden during droughts

(not verified)
Friday, September 1, 2023
It’s beginning to look like fall all around us as plants go into survival mode during this heat wave. Temperatures continue to soar, and the rain is nowhere to be found.
Louisiana Agriculture Secretary Mike Strain views smoldering trees from a portion of the Tiger Island fire in Beauregard Parish on Aug. 23. (Jenn Finley/La. Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry)

Louisiana Agriculture Secretary Mike Strain views smoldering trees from a portion of the Tiger Island fire in Beauregard Parish on Aug. 23. (Jenn Finley/La. Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry)

Louisiana ag commissioner warns of continued wildfire risk

(not verified)
Friday, September 1, 2023
The Louisiana official who leads the state’s wildfire fighting efforts says he will ask the legislature for more resources next year, including additional personnel and a tanker plane that can drop water on blazes.