Louisiana Tiger Island Fire Ruled Arson— Officials Confirm Fire 'was deliberate'

Source: Twitter/@HumanDilemma

The Tiger Island Fire, which is approximately 50% contained as of this report, has been ruled an arson according to Louisiana State officials. The largest wildfire in the history of the state which has destroyed over thirty thousand acres or about 50 square miles, damaged 20 homes and structures was set intentionally according to the Louisiana State Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF).

At the height of the fire, approximately 1,200 people were evacuated from the town of Merryville near the border with Texas as reported by CBS News. No injuries or deaths were reported according to Nola.com

In a Saturday press release reported by ABC News, the LDAF said it concluded its investigation in the Beauregard Parish and found that the fire was deliberate. The Louisiana Forestry Association is offering $2,000 reward for anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.

Democrat Governor John Bel Edwards told reporters in a statement Thursday,

"Louisiana is still facing unpredictable and dangerous conditions as we continue to fight wildfires across the state. This is a long-term event and until we get a significant amount of rain, we must remain vigilant. Our state is still a tinderbox and there are still fires popping up all over. Do not burn anything. We must do all we can to prevent the further spread of wildfires and ease the stress on our responders."

Bel Edwards reiterated to the press Friday, “There is no legal burning in the state of Louisiana for any purpose right now. You should not be lighting a barbecue grill outside anywhere in the state of Louisiana. … We only have so many resources to allocate to fires.”

To report an arsonist or provide information about the fire you are urged to reach the Agriculature Department's 24-hour hotline at (855) 452-5323 or the Beauregard Sheriff’s Office at (337) 462-8918.