120 acres burning, crews work to protect homes [Video]

ASCENSION PARISH, La. (BRPROUD) — Over 100 firefighters from eight different fire departments are battling acres of fires in Ascension Parish, just over a week after they started.

Chief James LeBlanc, who works as the parish’s safety director, said more than 120 acres of land are burning as of Monday, Sept. 18.

Parish President Clint Cointment declared a state of emergency on Sunday, allowing for necessary resources and assets to be used to fight fires.

LeBlanc said bulldozers and excavators have been used to build roads in thick wooded areas through the 160-acre track. He said the acreage of the fires has made it “difficult” to control. Grass fire trucks, brush fire trucks and ATVs are being used to combat flames.

With the equipment and roads being built, LeBlanc said officials feel they are on the “other side of the fence” in the battle against fires.

The fires reportedly started Sunday, Sept. 10. Since then, the blaze has gotten close …