Beauregard Parish under burn ban as dry, windy conditions fuel fires

Fire chief urges residents to wait until weather improves before burning outdoors

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Beauregard Parish Fire District Four Chief Eric Stracener said his department has been responding to multiple calls for woodland and pasture fires over the past two weeks due to dry weather and high winds. Beauregard and Vernon parishes are currently under a burn ban, and the fire chief is asking residents to heed the ban until conditions improve.

Why it matters

Dry, windy conditions have created a heightened fire risk in Beauregard Parish, leading local officials to enact a burn ban to protect public safety. The parish has seen a surge in fire calls, straining local fire department resources, and underscoring the need for residents to be cautious with any outdoor burning activities.

The details

Beauregard Parish Fire District Four has responded to seven fire calls over the past two weeks, with three within the district and four as mutual aid. The fires have primarily involved woodland and pasture areas. Fire Chief Eric Stracener said the combination of a hard freeze that killed surface vegetation, followed by dry and windy weather, has created dangerous conditions for fires to spread quickly.

  • Over the past two weeks, Beauregard Parish Fire District Four has responded to multiple fire calls.
  • On Wednesday, the district responded to four calls, with three within the district and one as mutual aid.
  • On Tuesday, the district responded to three calls, with none within the district.
  • Beauregard and Vernon parishes enacted a burn ban on Monday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Eric Stracener

The fire chief of Beauregard Parish Fire District Four, who has been overseeing the response to the recent surge in fire calls in the area.

Eddie Ware

The president of the Beauregard Parish Police Jury, who emphasized the need for the burn ban due to the dry and windy conditions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's so dry right now and with the wind it multiplies the hazards — we need some rain.”

— Eddie Ware, Beauregard Parish Police Jury president (beauregardnews.com)

“Please heed the burn ban — don't conduct any outdoor open burning and just be patient, spring is coming.”

— Eric Stracener, Beauregard Parish Fire District Four Chief (beauregardnews.com)

What’s next

The Beauregard Parish Police Jury will continue to monitor weather conditions and may lift the burn ban once the risk of fires has subsided.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the importance of heeding local burn bans and exercising caution with any outdoor burning activities, especially during periods of dry, windy weather that can quickly turn small fires into dangerous blazes. Residents should be prepared to wait until conditions improve before resuming any open burning.