LAKE CHARLES, La. – Fire danger will reach critical levels across southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas today as dry, gusty north winds follow the passage of a strong cold front. The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has issued a Red Flag Warning from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, replacing the earlier Fire Weather Watch.
The warning covers central, southwest, and south-central Louisiana, including Lake Charles, Lafayette, Alexandria, Opelousas, and Cameron, as well as Beaumont, Orange, and Jasper, Texas. Forecasters expect north winds of 15 to 25 mph, gusting to 35 mph, with humidity dropping as low as 25–30% through the afternoon.
These conditions mean that any fire that starts will spread rapidly, particularly in areas with dry grass or brush. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and local officials urge residents to avoid welding, discarding cigarettes, or using fire pits until conditions improve.
The combination of strong winds, very dry air, and low dew points will continue to pose an elevated fire risk through midweek, though today and Monday are expected to be the most critical periods. Cooler nights are likely, but daytime humidity will remain too low for relief.
