Lafayette, Louisiana – A small brush fire could spread quickly by midmorning Sunday as gusty north winds and dry air combine to create critical fire conditions across Acadiana and southwest Louisiana through early evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday for parishes including Lafayette, Calcasieu, Vermilion, Iberia, St. Mary, St. Martin, Acadia, Jefferson Davis, Allen, Evangeline, St. Landry and Avoyelles, along with East Cameron Parish. North winds will range from 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Relative humidity will drop as low as 24 to 26 percent, while afternoon temperatures reach the upper 50s.
Communities from Lafayette and Lake Charles to New Iberia, Opelousas and Morgan City face elevated wildfire danger, especially in open fields and wooded areas along Interstate 10, U.S. 90 and rural parish roads. Dry fuels combined with steady winds may allow flames to move rapidly once ignited.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains and properly extinguish cigarettes. Fire crews remain on heightened alert through sunset, and additional advisories could follow if dry, breezy weather continues into the week.
