We have had a few more rain showers lately, but the fire risk is still very high and Louisiana remains under a burn ban. This comes as the LSU campus gets ready to host the big outdoor cooking festival known as Tiger tailgating for the first time this season.
LSU is following guidance from the state fire marshal, and telling tail gaters that open fire pits, bonfires, and the like are strictly prohibited. Grills and smokers can be used, but only if set up over non flammable ground, like pavement, and with a source of water on hand.
"Louisiana residents can resume outdoor cooking with safety measures in place," according to the Louisiana Fire Marshal's office. "These measures include using contained cooking equipment like grills and smokers, designed for cooking purposes only, on a flame-resistant surface with a water source or fire extinguisher nearby."
Having a "flame-resistant surface" is an important condition for tail gaters to be aware of, as a lot of LSU game day parking is in grass fields.
"The fuel source for this equipment (propane, charcoal, pellets, etc.) is not a factor in its acceptable use. The use of open flames in fire pits, campfires, barrels, bonfires, burn piles, and like open burning is still prohibited," according to the fire marshal.
Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says this may be the norm for a while.
"The weather, moving forward: We've got a dry September," said Strain. "Believe it or not, this week is normally the beginning of our fire season."
