Elevated Fire Danger: Why Northwest Louisiana Is a Powder Keg Right Now

The latest notice from the National Weather Service in Shreveport is a reminder of just how dangerously dry things are here in the Arklatex area.

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Those who live in the rural areas of northwest Louisiana, northeast Texas and southwest Arkansas are accustomed to using the week following Christmas to uncover from all the trash that Christmas brings.  Leaves have piled up, and there are boxes and wrapping paper everywhere, so getting rid of these things with a quick fire are the norm.

However, this year, you might want to find another option for disposal. You certainly don't want to try and tackle the issue today.

With dry conditions combined with gusty northwest winds and low relative humidity values the National Weather Service has issued a warning of "Elevated Fire Danger" across the entire area.

Until 6:00 pm today, Monday, December 29, 2025, the National Weather Service states that Northwest winds 10 to 20 mph, and gusts from 25 to 35 mph and relative humidity values from 20 to 30% have made any type of outdoor flame or spark extremely dangerous and favorable for wildfire growth.

In the notice from the National Weather Service, all citizens are reminded of the following:

• Avoid using all types of fireworks
• Avoid all outdoor burning
• Secure tow chains/never park/drive over tall grass
• Properly dispose of cigarettes

Though this warning is in effect until 6:00 pm this evening, there really isn't much chance for precipitation for at least another week, so it's entirely possible these conditions could remain.

While no burn bans have been issued at this time, residents should be very aware of the dangerous conditions for any outdoor burning during this time.

Should you spot any wildfire, regardless of size, please report it to law enforcement as soon as possible.