All of Terrebonne Parish is Still Under the Statewide Burn Ban

Parish President Gordon Dove wishes to remind residents that Terrebonne Parish is still under the statewide burn ban for the entire Parish. The statewide burn ban prohibits ANY OUTDOOR BURNING. The following describes what can and cannot be done during the statewide burn ban:

(1) The use of open flames in fire pits, campfires, barrels, bonfires, burn piles, and like-outdoor open burning is included in the burn ban. These are activities that tend to be for an extended period of time and unattended both of which increase the chances for fire to get out of control and spread quickly.

(2) Outdoor cooking is not a citable offense, but if your cooking creates a fire that the fire department has to respond to, you will get a citation. It is recommended to conduct all outdoor cooking with safety measures in place including using contained cooking equipment like grills and smokers, designed for cooking purposes only, on a flame-resistant surface with a water source or fire extinguisher nearby.

(3) Mowing and yard work is not banned, however, it is preferred to avoid mowing and/or driving/operating hot machinery and/or any activity that could produce a spark on or near dry, brown, dead grass because of its flammability.

Agricultural burning is permitted. Agricultural burning is not burning piles of debris on land; it is not clearing land for development. Agricultural burning is burning for the purposes of reducing crop residue, stimulating yield, controlling diseases and pests, or generally to maintain the productivity of agricultural lands, such as burning of residue after harvesting rice and sugarcane.

Residents are encouraged to report illegal burning during the statewide burn ban to the Office of the State Fire Marshal at 1-800-256-5452 or to the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 985-876-2500. All persons violating the statewide burn ban will be prosecuted to the extent of the law.