Propane burners firing up pots of boiled shrimp or jambalaya, and grills and smokers cooking up sizzling andouille sausages, char-broiled oysters, or cochon de lait are all fixtures of LSU tailgating. But the record drought has the university asking its gourmet fans to keep the open flames in check.
"Due to the unprecedented fire conditions across Louisiana, a state-wide burn ban remains in effect for this weekend’s LSU Football home opener," the school said in a statement. "As a result, fans are asked to comply with the state fire marshal’s order and to tailgate safely with no open flames Saturday."
"Wildfires are still burning across our state. Hundreds of firefighters are still working hard to extinguish those fires and there’s a grave concern more can develop," said State Fire Marshal Chief Dan Wallis.
LSU is encouraging fans who plan to tailgate this weekend at the football home opener vs. Grambling to find "alternative catering options," and recommends checking with LSU Athletics restaurant and grocery store partners.