When disaster strikes, we often look to natural causes or unfortunate circumstances. Yet, as the Tiger Island Fire continues to decimate Louisiana, unsettling revelations point not to nature but to the deliberate act of arson. Investigators have confirmed that this fire, the largest in Louisiana history, was intentionally set.
The fire broke out on August 22 in a wooded pine plantation five miles from the Texas border. Since then, it has consumed nearly 50 square miles, destroyed over 20 structures, including homes, and led to the temporary evacuation of the town of Merryville’s 1,200 residents. As of now, the blaze is about 50% contained. But containment is small consolation for those who have lost homes or are still living in the shadow of this fire.
Arson Confirmed as the Cause of Louisiana's Largest-Ever Wildfire in History (VIDEO) https://t.co/cNMggIFk3K #gatewaypundit via @gatewaypundit
— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) September 3, 2023
“The latest reports indicate that the fire is currently about 50% contained,” the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) noted. Officials from the department and local law enforcement are working diligently on the investigation. The LDAF is offering a $2,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators. “LDAF investigators, Louisiana State Fire Marshal deputies, and the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives are actively investigating this matter,” the department stated in a press release.
It’s alarming that the Tiger Island Fire was deliberately caused, especially in a year that has already seen unprecedented wildfires in Louisiana. This August alone, at least 440 wildfires have raged across the state, and one individual has lost their life due to these blazes. “This is unprecedented,” said LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain. “We’ve never had to fight this many fires simultaneously and at this duration.”
The Democrat Governor of Louisiana, John Bel Edwards, was quick to blame the wildfire to climate change.
Arson Confirmed as the Cause of Louisiana’s Largest-Ever Wildfire in History.
— TheTexasOne (@TexasRepublic71) September 3, 2023
High temperatures, arid conditions, and winds up to 15 mph have only fueled the devastation. In response to the crisis, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a statewide burn ban, stressing, “Louisiana is still facing unpredictable and dangerous conditions as we continue to fight wildfires across the state.”
Criminal acts like arson don’t just harm the immediate area; they divert valuable resources and attention from natural disasters and other emergencies. The Louisiana Air National Guard has already dropped more than 1.1 million gallons of water over the affected areas, and heavy equipment is being used to create soil berms to contain the fire’s spread.
What’s crucial now is community vigilance. Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible should step forward. Not only is this a crime against property and nature, but it’s a crime against every Louisiana resident who has to live in fear because of the intentional destruction of their homeland.
