NEW ORLEANS — If you’re thinking about firing up the grill for your family Labor Day picnic or football tailgate – don’t.
As part of Louisiana’s burn ban, state officials are now asking people to avoid cooking with open flames until further notice.
Seventy-five square miles of woods and marshland have already burned in Louisiana wildfires due to extremely dry conditions statewide.
State Fire Marshal Daniel Wallis said these are unprecedented times.
“I’ve been in this business a very long time and I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Don’t burn anything Wallis added.
“Don’t use any type of open flame outside. Think of alternatives. Think of situations where you may patronize your local businesses. If you’re thinking about having a barbecue and going to those tailgate parties, buy pre-packaged meals.”
Area universities have now banned open flames at their football tailgates.
Nicholls State adopted the policy beginning Thursday night when the Colonels face off against Sacramento State in Thibodaux.
“Everything from grills to barbecue pits to chafing dishes, jambalaya pots, boiling pots, things like that,” NSU spokesman Jerad David said. “Anything with an open flame we are prohibiting.”
Wednesday, a large marsh fire started in Shriever, just miles from campus.
David admits telling fans in bayou country to leave their boiling pots at home was a large ask.
“I expected there to be a target on my back asking people to leave their boiling pots at home,” David said. “But it seems so far that everyone is on board.”
Tulane University in New Orleans is expecting a full house for Saturday evening’s matchup with South Alabama. The university is also adopting the burn ban restrictions as a precaution.
“Right now, you can tailgate on part of Brown Field, there’s no open flames allowed there,” Tulane Asst. Athletic Director Jason Corriher said. “You can also tailgate on Berger Family Lawn, no open flames allowed there as well. New Orleans Fire Department will be on hand to make sure that everyone is following those guidelines.”
The University of Louisiana in Lafayette has also banned grills and barbecue pits.
WWL-TV reached out to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association for its recommendations regarding the burn ban with the 2023 prep football season kicking off on Thursday night.
"The LHSAA does not have a stance in the matter," a spokesperson for the LHSAA told WWL-TV. "The decision lies with the Louisiana Department of Education and LHSAA member school administration throughout the state."
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