Prescribed Burn in Kisatchie National Forest Produces Heavy Smoke Near Minden

Forestry crews from Louisiana and New Mexico monitor the 1,500-acre controlled burn.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A large prescribed burn of approximately 1,500 acres is underway in the Kisatchie National Forest north of Minden, Louisiana, producing heavy smoke visible across parts of Webster Parish. Forestry personnel are conducting and monitoring the burn, which includes areas around Caney Lake and the Caney Lake Park areas. Officials said smoke and visible fire activity are expected to continue for several days as the operation progresses.

Why it matters

Prescribed burns are a common forest management technique used to reduce fuel loads and prevent larger, more dangerous wildfires. However, the heavy smoke from this burn has raised concerns among local residents about air quality and visibility on nearby roads.

The details

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is overseeing the prescribed burn, which is exempt from the current burn ban in Webster Parish. In addition to local and state crews, forestry crews from New Mexico are assisting with monitoring and controlling the fire. Authorities have advised that smoke may linger in the area while the burn continues and have encouraged motorists to use caution in areas where visibility may be reduced.

  • The prescribed burn began on March 2, 2026.
  • The burn is expected to continue for several days.

The players

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry

The state agency responsible for overseeing the prescribed burn in the Kisatchie National Forest.

Forestry crews from New Mexico

Additional personnel assisting with monitoring and controlling the fire.

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The takeaway

This prescribed burn highlights the ongoing challenges of forest management, as officials must balance the need for controlled burns to reduce fire risk with the potential impact on local communities. Residents in the area will need to remain vigilant about air quality and road conditions while the burn continues.