The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and local fire crews battled ten wildfires on Highway 10 over a week ago caused by a freakish accident.

According to reports, the fires started near Marlow Baptist Church and ended near Honor Field at Ft. Johnson.  A truck pulling a dual trailer blew out a tire next to the church.  The operator of the truck drove an estimated nine miles while showering sparks from the bare rim.

The fires burned almost 15 acres of wooded area before being brought under control.  Fires damaged timberland and threatened several homes.  LDAF investigators and the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s office, acting on tips, located the vehicle and driver, who was issued a summons for careless operation.

Rain is expected this week.  It has been over a month with no significant rainfall.  Please remember there are burn bans in over 30 parishes including Vernon, Sabine and Beauregard.