Department of Agriculture and Forestry, State of Louisiana - Mike Strain DVM, Commissioner

NEWS

Reward Offered for Information on Suspected Arsons

November 23, 2015

  The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office are seeking information on 86 suspected arsons that took place between August 30 – October 21, 2015.

According to investigators, the fires began in the Castor community in Bienville Parish and progressed east through the Liberty Hill area and east to North Hodge in Jackson Parish.

“Our agents have expended a tremendous amount of time investigating fire scenes. They’ve questioned residents and former members of local hunting clubs to gain information on these fires. We clearly have one or more arsonists who have caused tremendous damage to timberlands that destroyed at least one home,” said Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M.

Investigators found that almost all the fires took place on properties owned by timber company Weyerhaeuser Industries.

One arrest was made recently for three fires that took place in the Jamestown and Castor communities that burned two timber tracts and a mobile home in a residential area. In addition, another individual was arrested for six fires that took place in 2011.

The Louisiana Forestry Association and Weyerhaeuser have put up a $4,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for these arsons.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the LDAF at (225) 925-4500 or 855-452-5323.

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