The Tiger Island Fire has consumed over 10,000 acres of land, equivalent to approximately 16 square miles. The severity of the flames was startling, with reports indicating that at certain points, the fire reached astonishing heights of up to 300 feet.
Mike Strain, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, described the fire’s intensity and the unsettling sensation of air being drawn into the inferno due to the heat it generated.
The Fury of the Flames
The fight against wildfires requires a multifaceted approach. The combined efforts of local fire departments, volunteers, and even the National Guard are being used.
Both ground-based and aerial strategies were employed to contain the flames.
The evacuation orders began with parts of Singer, Louisiana, and the challenge evolved as the fire’s relentless advance necessitated more drastic measures. Merryville, which was initially under voluntary evacuation, soon followed suit with mandatory orders.
Airborne resources such as tankers and helicopters were dropping water and fire retardant to curb the fire’s advancement.