October 2023

when she came through our parish. We
are tired, and we’re working with few resources.
There needs to be a better way
to make sure we have what we need, as
should be the case with all volunteer organizations.
It’s clear that wildland fires
are here, just as these dangerously dry
conditions are far from over. As we head
deeper into wildfire season, our volunteers
are praying for a little rain, a lot of
patience, and a tremendous amount of
cooperation from our residents with the
statewide burn ban and in understanding
our limitations.”
We all know that preparation in and of
itself doesn’t negate all risks, but it does
help. And the time to think about preventing
wildfires is before they begin.
So, what about the citizens themselves?
Can Louisiana’s citizens prepare for wildfire
season in an effort to diminish its effects?
We prepare for hurricane season
by ticking off checklists that ease our
minds in case the worst case scenario
becomes reality, because we feel better
prepared. Can we do the same for wildfire
season? According to the Louisiana
Emergency Portal, we can:
• Remove dry leaves, debris, and other
combustible vegetation.
• Examine the roof’s shingles or tiles
and fix or replace damaged pieces
to prevent ember penetration.
• Use fire-resistant materials for repairs,
renovations, or new construction
around the property.
• Use non-combustible materials for
fences, walls, and landscaping to
act as a fire barrier.
• Install an outdoor water source and
hose that can carry water to any
part of the house.
• Pack an emergency supply kit (similar
to a hurricane kit) for every
member of the household.
• Obtain insurance coverage for personal
belongings, the house, and
even automobiles. The insurance
policy coverage should be adequate
to replace all valuables.
• Install smoke alarms, fire extinguishers,
and fire-resistant window
coverings.
• Create an evacuation plan that
should be practiced until every
member of the household is familiar.
Browning and Grymes explain in more
detail.
“The threat of fire is with us every single
day, and the interface is no exception,
as a simple unattended trash fire can
quickly ignite combustibles in the area
like chairs, trees, etc., and quickly reach
your home. We need more capabilities
for local fire departments to expand
their equipment to be able to fight these
fires where they start, which is normally
off the road and away from fire hydrants.
Simply speaking, being able to put it out
before it becomes large,” said Browning.
“As with any threat, it’s important to
be prepared, and awareness is the first
step of preparedness. If you’re aware of
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LMR | OCTOBER 2023