Questions surrounding a loud boom heard and felt across parts of Natchitoches Parish on the night of Dec. 7 remain partially unanswered, even as later information points to possible military-related activity in the region.
According to a Facebook post shared by a parish resident, the incident occurred around 10 p.m. along LA 119 when a loud boom was heard and the ground reportedly shook. Residents across the parish said windows and doors rattled, prompting concern and calls to law enforcement. The post called on officials to explain the source of the disturbance, noting that several days had passed without public clarification.
Following the reports, the Natchitoches Parish Journal reached out to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office for information. At the time, officials said they were aware of the incident but had no confirmed explanation. A representative stated the sound may have been related to Fort Polk but emphasized that it remained an unexplained boom after initial review.
Then, on Jan. 11, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office shared a post originally published by Fort Polk on Jan. 9, announcing scheduled controlled detonations at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk. The military installation advised the public that controlled explosions would take place from Jan. 12 through Jan. 30, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., weather and test conditions permitting.
According to the Fort Polk notice, up to seven detonations per day—each exceeding 250 pounds—were planned and could cause noticeable ground shaking. Officials stressed the detonations were carefully coordinated and posed no danger to surrounding communities. Temporary road closures along Mill Creek Road were also noted during detonation windows.
While the scheduled detonations occurred weeks after the Dec. 7 incident, the announcement renewed discussion among residents about whether similar military activity could explain earlier unexplained booms.
The Dec. 7 reports are not isolated. In February 2025, residents across northwest Louisiana reported a similar unexplained boom that rattled homes across a wide geographic area. According to a report shared by Love Shreveport-Bossier, residents from Natchitoches to Ringgold reported hearing and feeling a powerful explosion around 9 p.m. on Feb. 1, 2025.
The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls that night, but no fires, explosions, or seismic activity were confirmed. Authorities at that time said nearby military bases and industrial sites were being checked, though no official cause was identified.
As of now, no formal explanation has been issued linking the Dec. 7 boom in Natchitoches Parish to Fort Polk or any other confirmed source. Residents continue to express concern and curiosity, while officials have not indicated whether further investigation findings will be released.
Anyone with additional information related to the Dec. 7 incident is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
