The Tiger Island Fire, the most significant wildfire in Louisiana's history, continues to blaze in the southwestern region of the state.
Authorities have now attributed the cause of the fire to arson.
The fire, which erupted on August 22 near the Texas border, has decimated approximately 50 square miles, obliterated a minimum of 20 structures, including residences, and necessitated the temporary evacuation of all 1,200 inhabitants of Merryville. The evacuation order has since been rescinded.
Current reports suggest that the fire is approximately 50% under control.
Investigators from the Enforcement Division of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) concluded last Saturday, nearly a fortnight after the fire's inception, that arson was the cause of the wildfire.
The LDAF press release stated, "Multiple wildfires have burned in Beauregard Parish in the past few weeks most notably The Tiger Island Fire. Wildfire investigators with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestrys (LDAF) Enforcement Division have determined this fire to be a result of arson. LDAF investigators, Louisiana State Fire Marshal deputies, and the Beauregard Parish Sheriffs Office detectives are actively investigating this matter."
The fire was ignited in a secluded area of forested property, according to officials. However, they have not disclosed extensive details about the alleged arson due to an ongoing investigation. No suspects have been publicly identified to date.
The LDAF is offering a $2,000 cash reward "for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the crime," as per the press release.
The Tiger Island Fire is one of at least 440 wildfires that have occurred in Louisiana in August alone. CBS Mornings reported that one person has died as a result of the wildfires, although not specifically from the Tiger Island Fire.
High temperatures, unusually arid conditions, and winds reaching up to 15 mph have exacerbated the particularly destructive wildfire season in Louisiana this year. "This is unprecedented," stated LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain. "We've never had to fight this many fires simultaneously and at this duration."
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