A Rapides Parish resident has been convicted in connection with a wildfire that burned about 27 acres of young pine plantation west of Glenmora in 2023, according to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF).
On March 1, 2023, LDAF fire crews responded to a wildfire off Joe Ray Road in Rapides Parish. Investigators found that the fire started from household trash and limbs being burned without proper fire lines or supervision. The blaze escaped containment and spread into a nearby pine plantation, causing significant timber damage. Carrie Willis, the homeowner, was cited for fire raising after the investigation.
Willis appeared in court on February 11, 2026, where she was found guilty of Negligent Burning. She received two years of probation and was ordered to pay $872.28 for fire suppression costs. She must also pay $8,999.72 in restitution to Roy O. Martin for damages to the pine plantation.
“LDAF reminds residents that outdoor burning must be conducted responsibly and in accordance with state regulations,” said LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, DVM. “Failure to take proper precautions can result in criminal charges, financial liability, and significant damage to Louisiana’s valuable agricultural and forestry resources.”
The LDAF provides services such as regulation enforcement for food safety and animal health, promotion of agricultural products, wildfire prevention management, and forest health programs across Louisiana (https://www.ldaf.state.la.us). The department supports farmers, consumers, and industry stakeholders throughout the state while working to protect agriculture, forestry, soil conservation resources (https://www.ldaf.state.la.us).
For information about safe burning practices or other services offered by the department—which operates statewide—residents can contact the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry or visit its official website at www.ldaf.state.la.us.