| Current Status |
The Lafayette Fire started on August 13, 2015. The fire is approximately 4 miles northwest of Gorum, Louisiana. It is burning in the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness of Kisatchie National Forest. The wildfire is being managed by a Type 3 Team, led by Incident Commander, Steve Staples. Light rain slowed yesterday mornings planned burnout off of constructed handlines but by afternoon the burnout continued with good success. The burnout included interior firing by helicopter. |
| Current Size | 1331 Acres |
| Containment | 45% |
| Planned Events | Handcrews will focus on strengthening yesterday’s burnout with helicopter firing of any remaining interior fuels. Engines will continue patrolling along the Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway. Two helicopters are available for use if needed. As always we will provide for firefighter and public safety as our main priority. Firefighters will take the appropriate measures to protect private residences and timberlands on the east side of the Wilderness. |
| Cause | Human |
| Equipment | 7 Engines, 1 Type 2 Helicopter, 1 Type 3 Helicopter, 5 Dozers, 1 Type 1 Handcrews, 4 Type 2 Handcrews, and 58 Overhead. |
| Staff | 189 |
| Restrictions and Closures | The Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area is currently closed. The Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway (FS 59) from LA Highway 119 to FS 339 is also closed to all traffic. |
| Fire Weather | The high today is forecasted to reach 96 degrees with a relative humidity between 40%. Winds will be out of the south at 3 mph early up to 11 mph by afternoon. There is a 30% chance of rain and a possibility of thunder storms this afternoon. |
| Safety Message | Smoke may impact local roadways. We are asking visitors to use extreme caution around the fire area.
It has been determined that this fire was human caused, please be careful while enjoying your National Forests. |