Louisiana Grapples With Largest Ever Wildfire

The arson-caused Tiger Island Fire in Louisiana is the state’s largest on record at 31,000 acres and was 50% contained in early September, according to news reports. The wildfire is one of almost 600 wildland fires that have burned in the state in 2023.

A particular hot spot has been the southwest corner of the state, and officials say that timber downed by hurricanes Laura and Delta in 2020 and Ida in 2021 is contributing excess fuel on the forest floor that’s helping wildfires spread. With most of Louisiana currently under extreme drought conditions, and record-breaking heat in August, have contributed to the added fire danger.