Vernon Parish fires still pose threat, community grateful Louisiana Lions Camp was spared

VERNON PARISH, La. (KALB) - While officials in Vernon Parish are working around the clock to monitor and stop wildfires, residents in the Lions Camp Road area are breathing a sigh of relief after a wildfire started in the area on Saturday, August 26. That fire has been contained and many residents in the area went without property damage. Community members were concerned that the Louisiana Lions Camp could be damaged as the fire burned less than a mile away from it. Established in 1961, the camp has become a safe haven and a destination for kids with special needs across the state. “This is extremely near and dear to the teenagers that work here and the campers that come here,” explained Raymond Cecil Executive Director of the camp. “Also, the adults, the Lions Club members and the adults that support their projects back in their local communities, this means a lot to them.” Cecil expressed gratitude that the camp managed to escape the flames unscathed. “The National Guard and helicopters stopped it kind of right there,” said Cecil. “They are on top of it.” Tammy Roberts lives just outside the fire boundary, she was evacuated on Saturday and said has never seen wildfires and drought conditions this extreme in the parish. “It’s been really hectic,” said Roberts. “I’m hoping they can get this all under control and we can be done with these wildfires pretty soon.” Crews are still monitoring the area of the Lions Camp Road fire in Vernon Parish. The mandatory evacuation issued for the area Saturday, August 26, was lifted the following day.