Particle.news

Crews Monitor Lacombe Wildfire After I-12 Reopens as Smoke Persists

Officials warn of lingering smoke under a red flag warning.

Overview

  • Fire ignited Sunday near Hatchery Road in Lacombe, sending thick smoke across southeast Louisiana and closing I-12 for about three hours.
  • I-12 reopened before 9 p.m. Sunday, and the westbound off-ramp at Highway 434 reopened after midnight, according to the sheriff’s office.
  • Multiple small, contained fires were still reported along the I-12 corridor Monday morning as crews patrolled and reinforced plow lines.
  • The National Weather Service kept a red flag warning in effect until 6 p.m. Monday, with low humidity and gusty winds raising the risk of rapid fire spread.
  • Authorities reported no evacuation orders and no homes in immediate danger as of late Sunday, and they urged residents to avoid outdoor burning and the area.