Forest Fires Up In Louisiana

LIVINGSTON, La. (AP) — Forestry officials say the number of forest fires more than doubled in Louisiana during the first two months of the year because of dry, windy weather.

State Forester Wade Dubea tells The Advocate that most of the fires have occurred in the Florida Parishes and in southwest Louisiana.

The state had a combined total of 434 forest fires in January and February compared with 213 such fires that occurred in the first two months of 2010.

Officials say that number doesn't include the larger number of small wildfires handled by local fire departments.