Logging equipment set ablaze in Vernon Parish woods
For immediate release: August 28, 2024
Baton Rouge, La. – On the night of August 24, Vernon Parish volunteer fire departments and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) fire crews were dispatched to the area off Highway 465 north of Simpson. Investigators say that several pieces of logging equipment and timber caught fire sometime after the logging crew left work for the day on August 23rd. The fire destroyed one skidder and damaged another skidder and loader, with a total value of over $500,000. ( See photos below. )
Investigators with LDAF’s Enforcement Division determined that this wildfire was caused by arson. LDAF investigators and Vernon Parish sheriff’s detectives are actively investigating this matter.
If you or anyone you know have any information, investigators urge you to call law enforcement. To report an arsonist, call LDAF at 1 (855) 452-5323 or the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office at (337) 238-1311.
Note: All persons accused of any crime are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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For more information regarding the press release, please contact LDAFCommunications@ldaf.state.la.us .
For interview requests, please contact PressSecretary@ldaf.state.la.us .