Major Brush Fire Could Threaten Parts of DeRidder, Louisiana

The State of Louisiana is under a Burn Ban and this is why.

A major brush fire in Vernon Parish is raging and now authorities are telling some in the northwest corner of DeRidder to stay vigilant this evening.

While there are no evacuation orders at this time in DeRidder, officials say that they could come as the fire moves closer to neighborhoods.

A number of fire departments have been staged in neighborhoods and large machinery has been brought in to help contain this huge blaze.

KPLC-TV reports that the Sheriff in Vernon Parish is asking for those who do not live in the area to avoid the roadways there as firefighters are moving quickly into staging areas.

Much of Louisiana is experiencing drought-like conditions and the ground is so dry that several fire departments have reported numerous grass fires in recent days.

In addition to that problem, a number of parishes throughout the state are asking citizens to conserve water and it's for moments like this near DeRidder.

We will continue to follow this developing story and we'll provide more updates as they come in here and on this station's mobile app.