A parish-wide burn ban has been issued for Vernon Parish due to extremely dry conditions and elevated winds that pose a threat to life and property.

James B. Tuck, acting under authority vested by the Vernon Parish Police Jury and the State of Louisiana, ordered the burn ban to take effect immediately on January 2, 2026. The order was issued in concurrence with Vernon Parish Fire District No. 1 and will remain in effect until it is officially lifted by the president of the Vernon Parish Police Jury.

The ban requires all private and open burning to cease until further notice. Prohibited activities include open flames in fire pits, campfires, burn barrels, bonfires, burn piles, and similar outdoor burning.

Officials noted that outdoor cooking is not prohibited under the burn ban. However, residents are encouraged to use proper safety measures, including cooking only with contained equipment such as grills or smokers designed specifically for cooking. Outdoor cooking should be conducted on flame-resistant surfaces, with a water source or fire extinguisher readily available.

The order does not apply to prescribed burns conducted by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry or to prescribed burning considered a generally accepted agricultural practice under the Louisiana Right to Farm Law.

Parish officials emphasized that the action was necessary due to current conditions and urged residents to comply with the burn ban to reduce the risk of wildfires and property damage.