Louisiana officials announced that the state’s wildfire was deliberately set, although authorities have not released details of the Tiger Island Fire’s origin.
The fire has damaged 20 homes and buildings and destroyed over 31,000 acres of land.
According to the Louisiana State Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), “When agents and deputies located the subject, he refused all verbal commands and fled in his vehicle. After a brief struggle, the subject was taken into custody and identified as 37-year-old Robin Crawford of Tickfaw, LA. The Natalbany Fire Department and LDAF Wildland Firefighters responded to the scene to control the large fire that was set.”
As of Sunday, the fire was only 50% controlled.
“Louisiana is still facing unpredictable and dangerous conditions as we continue to fight wildfires across the state,” said Governor John Bel Edwards (D). “This is a long-term event, and until we get a significant amount of rain, we must remain vigilant.”
“Our state is still a tinderbox and there are still fires popping up all over. Do not burn anything. We must do all we can to prevent the further spread of wildfires and ease the stress on our responders.”
The Tiger Island Fire is not the only incident of arson, as officials have connected the Lions Camp Fire and fires in Rapides Parish to intentional arson.
Reporting from The Western Journal:
The [National Wildfire Coordinating Group] has emphasized that “citations and arrests are happening across this state in partnership with local and state law enforcement agencies,” further highlighting the seriousness of the situation, according to ABC News. ... Under Louisiana state law, simple arson is characterized as intentionally damaging someone else’s property using explosives or setting fire to it without the owner’s consent. It also includes starting a fire or causing an explosion while committing another felony, even if the intent wasn’t to start a fire or cause an explosion.
