With changes recently in the statewide burn ban from the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, which gives local fire chiefs the authority to modify the ban to some extent as prudent, LaSalle Parish Fire Chiefs have elected to lift a portion of the ban as announced last week.

LaSalle Parish Fire Chief’s Association President Josh Corley announced the change last week through social media, which permits limited burning under certain conditions.

“As of October 6, 2023, you will be allowed to burn in an elevate metal container as long as its attended,” Corley said. “If your fire is left unattended or gets out you will receive a citation.”

The change was enacted after the LaSalle fire chiefs discussed the situation in the parish and after a modest rain fell last week prior to a cool front moving into the area.

Corley noted that the statewide burn ban is evaluated every week and will remain in place until officials feel as though the state has met the conditions necessary to remove the ban completely.

He also noted that should excessive calls come in about unattended fires, the LaSalle Chiefs could remove the modification.

“If the number of calls escalate due to people not abiding by the burn ban or their fires getting out we will go back to the ‘don’t burn anything’ ban,” he said.

The modification only applies to burning in elevated metal containers and there is still a ban on burning anything on or in the ground, such as leaves, sticks, brush, etc.