Even though some changes have been made, Webster Parish Fire Chiefs have agreed to keep the burn ban in place for now.

Minden Fire Chief Brian Williams said the following was issued by the State Fire Marshall Office on changes to the statewide ban.

• While the statewide burn ban will remain in effect, parish leadership can opt out of the burn ban if desired. To opt out, parish leadership would send a letter of intention to forestprotection@ldaf.state.la.gov for the Louisiana Department of Ag and Forestry to track and update their state burn ban map for the public. Having this documented also assists the SFM with appropriate response to burn ban complaints.
• The original exception providing authority to fire chiefs to give burn permissions on a case-by-case basis is renewed. Fire chiefs will be able to allow burns as they see fit.
• The Department of Ag and Forestry is also modifying its agricultural-specific burn ban to allow for agricultural burning to resume except for standing sugar cane. Additional details about this order modification will be provided by Ag and Forestry.

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