If you live in Southern Louisiana, there is a good chance that you will be able to smell what seems like fireworks burning when you step outside. However, the unpleasant smell is actually from the marsh wildfires currently occurring in Southern Louisiana due to extremely dry and flammable conditions created by a record-setting drought in South Louisiana. In the past few days we have been able to smell these fires at Newman, both inside and outside the classroom. 

Authorities say that winds have been pulling the smoke into New Orleans from the regions currently on fire. On Sunday, the Jean Lafitte National Park stated that of 147 areas affected, 52% of the fire is contained. Fire crews from multiple states and agencies have been working to contain the line of containment to prevent the fire from spreading.

The smell from the fires has been worse recently due to a shift in wind direction to the northeast, directing smoke from fires in New Orleans East to New Orleans. Most of the smoke has been coming from Bayou Sauvage, where trees, grass, and peat have been burning for weeks on end.

Jean Lafitte released an additional statement warning drivers to be careful on roadways that may have lowered visibility due to the excess smoke from the fires. They asked that people take extreme caution while driving, especially when there is thick fog. The Park Service hopes to prevent another accident similar to the one on the I-55 (read more here). 

In addition, some people have been reporting eye irritation and people with lung problems like COPD may be more affected than others. As well, some students at Newman are suffering headaches from the smoke and its smell. Despite the strength of the smell inside, it is even worse outside, so try to remain inside as much as possible.

Additional Reading:

https://www.nola.com/news/why-does-new-orleans-smell-like-smoke/article_3bdb53c6-7997-11ee-a3c1-c3bfa3f3e4b9.html

https://www.nola.com/news/the-smell-of-area-fires-returns-to-new-orleans-sunday-hampering-breathing-visibility/article_e955e500-712e-11ee-bde0-2f5a2ce4e22e.html

Photo:

https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/local/orleans/fire-bayou-sauvage-new-orleans-louisiana/289-e5662163-948c-43ed-8c66-bdb2f1a153a7