A warning sent out by the National Weather Service in Lake Charles on Wednesday morning apparently prompted Tyler County Judge Milton Powers to sign an emergency order banning all outside burning in Tyler County until further notice.
Later on Wednesday, Sabine County Judge Daryl Melton enacted a burn ban for Sabine County.
The statement from NWS Lake Charles reads as follows:
FIRE DANGER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LAKE CHARLES LA
651 AM CST Wed Feb 25 2026
...ELEVATED FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED...
* AFFECTED AREA: All of southeast Texas and central Louisiana except Avoyelles Parish and all southwest and south central Louisiana.
* TIMING: From 9 am until 6 pm CST Wednesday.
* 20 FOOT WIND: South Southwest winds at 17 mph to 21 mph. Gusts to 35 mph to 40 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY: 50 to 65 percent.
* FUELS: many fuels are still dormant from winter freezes.
* IMPACTS: despite the high humidity today, dormant fules and strong gusty winds will be favorable for erratic wildfire growth and spread.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Outdoor activities that could inadvertently cause wildfires are discouraged. Avoid parking vehicles or using welding or grinding equipment near dry grass, brush, and weeds. Do not toss cigarette butts on the ground.
Be sure to report wildfires quickly to the nearest fire department or law enforcement office.
Tyler County follows Vernon Parish, Louisiana, which also this week announced that all outside burning is prohibited there.
https://www.kjas.com/news/local_news/article_f36df5af-5d94-471d-80a0-e0994dfc2191.html