Part of Ascension Parish asked to evacuate due to large fires Sunday

ASCENSION PARISH, La. (BRPROUD) – Some residents in Ascension Parish were given mandatory evacuation orders Sunday, Sept. 17. Parish President Clint Cointment has declared a state of emergency due to large fires along Highway 42 in Prairieville.

Residents on Terraceside Drive have been asked to evacuate, and the Banquet Hall at Lamar Dixon has opened as a shelter. Parish officials said the Emergency Operation Center of Ascension Parish Homeland Security has been activated.

The Galvez Fire Department volunteer crews were fighting the fire along with the Ascension Parish Fire Department, Prairieville Fire Department and the Department of Public Works.

“We know this is scary for everyone as we are working diligently to get this fire out and under control,” the fire department said. “Please avoid the area if at all possible. Still have no idea what started this fire.”

Residents are asked to avoid the area.

This is a developing story.