By Baptist Message staff
FLORIEN, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief crews and churches responded quickly to those impacted by wildfires in Sabine Parish east of Florien, Aug. 14. The are contained at this time.
While this remains a very serious situation because of wind direction and changing weather conditions the wildfire was contained Monday evening. However, officials cautioned that flare-ups could ignite new fires in the area.
The LA Dept of Forestry worked throughout the night clearing lanes to further control the fire.
The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office posted on its Facebook page at approximately 2:14 p.m. their office received a call regarding a woods fire near Corleyville Road in the Mt. Carmel community. By 9 p.m., the fire was contained.
As the fire raged Monday afternoon, residents in the path of danger were urged to evacuate. KSLA-TV (Shreveport) reported that at least eight homes were damaged or destroyed by the fire.
“Sheriff Aaron Mitchell asks everyone to remember those in your prayers affected by this disaster as well as all first responders and law enforcement agencies who responded,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a Facebook post Monday evening. “Also, thank you to the many churches, citizens, and other volunteers for their help and aid.”
Churches that opened their doors for evacuees to have access to food and a place to cool down included First Baptist Church, Warren Baptist Church, Ebenezer Baptist Church and Antioch Baptist Church (all in Florien), Grace Assembly, Hornbeck, and Trinity Baptist Church, Many.
A Louisiana shower trailer arrived Monday and a feeding unit was en route Tuesday morning to First Baptist Church, Florien.
“Pray for first responders in this heat,” Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief strategist Stan Statham told the Baptist Message. “We will be feeding others, so monetary donations would help. Food is expensive.”
District 8 Baptist Convention Coordinator Ron Thompson asked for continued prayers and thanked churches and disaster relief teams for their quick response.
“Thank you, Louisiana Baptists, for responding to the physical needs,” Thompson said. “And please keep praying for the spiritual needs of families who lost their homes yesterday.”
To donate to DR efforts, visit louisianabaptists.org/dr.
