Mandatory evacuations started yesterday (wildfires in Louisiana) UPDATE: Post #18
Hurricanes are the usual worry at this time of year but those have taken a backseat to the dangers of wildfires.
On Monday the smell of smoke was in the air. Faint, but there.
The fires were located in the Parish above us and a Parish below us but still under 50 miles away.
The various fire departments would get the fires contained one minute then the wind would kick up and the struggle to contain began again.
Each morning the smell of smoke was a little stronger.
News of more and more fires, both large and small, coming out. The map of wildfires showed red dots all around us, both in Louisiana and Texas.
Last night, an all too brief thunderstorm gave hope. It ended as quickly as it began.
Burn bans in effect statewide but someone thought it didn't apply to them. That was the cause of one fire that took out a few thousand acres and several structures. Fire fighters managed to save a woman from a burning house. Her home was destroyed.
The Governor was pleading with people yesterday to be a "good citizen" and follow the ban to benefit us all. They are ticketing people who don't follow the ban for any burning on their property. People who don't adhere to the burn ban will be charged with arson for any fire that escapes their property.
It's that bad. Drought conditions throughout most of the state.
It's a sad state of affairs when the Governor has to beg people to think of others. To be a "good citizen".
This morning the haze of smoke is distorting the morning sun, and the smell of smoke is strong enough to cling.
The fires are closer. Inside the Parish where I live, and one was described as "out of control" at this time.
Fort Johnson soldiers who live off post and are in the evacuation areas are being directed to go to post where a shelter has been set up in the largest chapel. They will be moved to any available housing, which includes hotels and cabins as well as apartments.
A nursing home out in the pines was evacuated a few days ago. They got all 18 residents out safely. One town was evacuated yesterday. The entire town. Population 1200. Lots of small towns dot the Parish.
One of the fires damaged a water system, making it harder for the various fire departments to access water to stop the fires. People have been asked to refrain from unnecessary watering to keep from putting a strain on already iffy availability.
This morning more mandatory evacuations across a few small towns (towns with 2K and less people) as the fires have spread to within miles of Fort Johnson. The closer to the post the more people, more homes, more businesses.
The bad part is the area it is inching closer to is all woods, a training ground in the Kisatchie National Forest. Nothing but loblollies surrounded by dried out needles and undergrowth for miles. A few structures made of wood and cement. Tinder.
We packed a couple of trunks up for the just in case. Got the pet supplies in a third trunk. Already loaded some things in the truck. Got cash on hand, water and food for everyone. All sitting in the garage to be tossed in the truck in a moment's notice.
I live in a tiny village up the highway from Fort Johnson. Heavily wooded area just on the outskirts of another part of Kisatchie. Kisatchie is huge and zig-zags across multiple Parishes.
All roads out right now will take us through areas that have fires going. Have to travel over 20 miles to get to a major highway.
Not panicked yet but concerned.
Still, burning "out of control" plays across my mind.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Seriously. Leesville is a small town and it's the largest one in the Parish - the one with the actual main post - and there's not a lot of stuff to do on or off post.
As the daughter of a mother who used the embarrassment technique to great effect, I laughed when I read your post.
If her command tells her to go, she'll go. But they won't tell her to do so unless necessary. Meaning, so far, so good.
If she's a private contractor, I don't know how that works.
Either way, I'm hoping for the best for everyone.
If for no other reason, she could do it for your peace of mind. My mother used that one too. 
That is an order
Thanks, malaise.