A parish-wide burn ban remains in effect as of Jan. 4 for all unincorporated areas of Natchitoches Parish due to extremely dry conditions and a heightened risk of wildfires.
The declaration was issued by Parish President John Salter on December 29, 2025. Parish officials cited a prolonged period of little to no measurable rainfall, which has led to dangerously dry conditions across the parish. Fire danger indices monitored by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry currently indicate an exceptionally high risk for wildfires.
Under the burn ban, all private, non-commercial open burning is prohibited. This includes the burning of leaves, grass, tree limbs, brush, vegetative matter, trash, debris, and other combustible materials, as well as campfires, bonfires, and warming fires.
Certain activities are exempt from the ban but must still be conducted with extreme caution. These include contained outdoor cooking such as gas or charcoal grills and smokers, which must be used on flame-resistant surfaces with a water source or fire extinguisher readily available. Permitted agricultural burns conducted in accordance with Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry regulations and fire department training exercises involving controlled burns are also exempt.
The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice and will be lifted only when conditions improve to a safe level. An official declaration will be issued at that time.
Violations of the burn ban may result in penalties under parish and state laws. Residents are urged to comply with the ban and to use extreme caution during any outdoor activities involving heat or fire.
