The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint Thursday, August 24 from the Providence Community about an individual illegally burning a pile of debris. Deputies arrived on the scene at B. Johnson Road, observing the trash pile was out of control in a wooded area near several residences.
The result of the large fire was the loss of two mobile homes, an undetermined loss of acreage and the mandatory evacuation of the area.
The burn pile was located in the yard of Paul Nash. Nash, age 59 of Rosepine, was arrested at the scene and charged with one count Illegal Burning in Violation of a Burn Ban, one count Fire Raising on Lands of Another by Criminal Negligence and one count of Negligent Arson. His bond was set at $13,000.
Late Friday afternoon a motion to increase that amount was filed by Vernon Parish First Assistant District Attorney Cynthia Lavaspere.
Vernon Parish District Attorney Terry Lambright announced Monday, August 28 that the previous bond had been revoked and a hearing had been set for September 12 before 30th Judicial District Judge Anthonhy Eaves.
Lambright said “There is still a lot of information needed by our office to move foreard with prosecuting this case. However, considering the current state that our parish is in, regarding the drought and rampant wildfires, I feel that this tyupe of negligence simply cannot be overlooked.”
