BATON ROUGE, La., (KNOE 8 News) - A $10,000 reward is now being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the Sept. 2 Natchitoches Parish wildfire.
According to the La. Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry, the Louisiana Forestry Association, Hancock Forestry, Roy O. Martin Co., Weyerhaeuser and the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce put up the reward.
The fire, dubbed the "TD13 Fire," burned nearly 5,000 acres of timberland and destroyed 10 homes and 35 outbuildings. Timber losses were estimated at $5 million in addition to $2 to $3 million in lost homes and other items.
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) investigators determined the cause of the fire was arson.
The fire was first reported to the LDAF Natchitoches office as being near the Ashland and Creston communities around 1:45 p.m., Sept. 2. LDAF firefighting crews were immediately dispatched.
Sixteen crews, 11 from the LDAF and five from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), worked through the night installing firelines.
In addition to the 16 bulldozer and engine crews, three LDAF aircraft, a USFS Type 3 helicopter and two single engine air tankers (SEATS) assisted in the operation.
Local fire departments, local area officials, Louisiana National Guard, Natchitoches and Winn parish offices of emergency preparedness, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office and Red Cross all gave assistance.
State Forester Wade Dubea said 2,695 fires have burned more than 35,753 acres of wildland and timber so far in 2011. In 2010, 2,335 wildfires burned 23,138 acres.
To report a suspected arson, call the LDAF's emergency hotline number at 1-855-452-5323.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:01 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:01:27 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe Police and Ouachita Parish Deputies continue to investigate multiple shootings, a murder and a weekend stabbing in the parish.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe Police and Ouachita Parish Deputies continue to investigate multiple shootings, a murder and a weekend stabbing in the parish.
Monday, June 17 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-06-17 23:20:46 GMT
DELHI, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Many expectant mothers make detailed plans of where and how they want to give birth, but sometimes even the most strategic planning, doesn't go as expected.
DELHI, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Many expectant mothers make detailed plans of where and how they want to give birth, but sometimes even the most strategic planning, doesn't go as expected.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:51 AM EDT2013-06-17 12:51:48 GMT
CARENCRO, La. (KNOE 8 News/AP) - Lafayette Parish sheriff's deputies are investigating the death of a 3-year-old boy found in his grandparents' swimming pool.
CARENCRO, La. (KNOE 8 News/AP) - Lafayette Parish sheriff's deputies are investigating the death of a 3-year-old boy found in his grandparents' swimming pool.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:23 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:23:16 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The Monroe City School System spends nearly two times what the closest comparable school district does on central office expenses.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The Monroe City School System spends nearly two times what the closest comparable school district does on central office expenses.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:17 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:17:15 GMT
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says all facilities at DeGray Lake and at Lake Greeson in southwest Arkansas have been reopened.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says all facilities at DeGray Lake and at Lake Greeson in southwest Arkansas have been reopened.
