On the night of August 24, Vernon Parish volunteer fire departments and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) fire crews were dispatched to the area off Highway 465 north of Simpson. Investigators say that on August 23, after the logging crew left for work, several pieces of logging equipment and timber caught fire. The fire destroyed one skidder and damaged another skidder and loader, with a total value of over $500,000.

Investigators with LDAF’s Enforcement Division determined this wildfire to have been caused by arson. LDAF investigators and Vernon Parish sheriff’s detectives are actively investigating this matter.

If you or anyone you know have any information, investigators urge you to call law enforcement. To report an arsonist, call LDAF at 1 (855) 452-5323 or the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office at (337) 238-1311.

Note: All persons accused of any crime are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.