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New Orleans East, LA –A wildfire has been reported on Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge (refuge). Local U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service fire crews began suppression activities of the wildfire early on Monday, July 31, 2023. The fire is located southeast of Blind Lagoon near the Bayou Sauvage Ridge, west of Hwy. 11 and north of Hwy. 90 Chef Menteur Hwy. Signs have been posted for areas where smoke will be impacting the community and law enforcement is being utilized for slowing down traffic in smoke-affected areas to protect fire crews and local community partners.

The fire was apparently caused by a lightning strike from recent storms, but the actual cause of the wildfire will be assessed once the fire has been contained. Recent high temperatures and lack of rainfall have raised fire danger in the region. Yesterday with warm temperatures and lower relative humidity fire size increased to 70 acres. With the dry conditions, this fire has the potential to burn until we receive sufficient rainfall.

The fire is burning in an area of marsh grass in the New Orleans East, LA area and suppression efforts will continue until the fire is contained. The refuge is coordinating with all local area partners including Southeast LA Flood Protection Authority, New Orleans Police Department, LA State police, LA Department of Transportation and LA Department of Forestry.

Various fire crews from surrounding areas with specialized equipment is on scene assisting with bucket drops to cool the edges of the fire. Residents in New Orleans East and travelers on Hwy. 90 & Hwy. 11 will see smoke coming off the refuge.

For more information contact the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges headquarters at 985/882-2000.