Baton Rouge, LA (June 18, 2013) – Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) wildland firefighters are on the scene of a gas line explosion in Washington Parish. It happened around 5:20 Tuesday morning.

“Our firefighters were called to assist because the fire happened in a wooded area with acres of land at risk,” said LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M.

Four firefighters are on stand-by with two bulldozers and a pumper truck to help contain the fire in the event it gets out of control or another gas line erupts. At this time, the fire is contained.

LDAF firefighters on the scene say there were approximately 100 foot flames shooting out of the pipe at one point and could be seen from miles away.

“We also have a forestry plane in the air at this time monitoring the situation from above. This allows us to view the entire area and watch for the possibility of spot fires,” said Strain.

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