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NEWS RELEASE

The Donaldsonville Fire Department was dispatched to 606 Lessard Street at approximately 12:07 a.m. March 4, 2026.

At the time, one unit was on scene at a medical emergency.

At approximately 12:12 a.m., two Donaldsonville fire units arrived on scene.

Upon arrival, units determined two structures were on fire, 602 Lessard Street, the initial structure, and 606 Lessard Street.

A third structure on Charles Street was starting to catch fire, later determined to be the fourth structure, 420 Charles Street, which was already fully involved catching 418 Charles Street.

At 12:42 a.m., approximately 34 minutes later, the Donaldsonville Fire Department was dispatched to 253 Evangeline Extension for another structure fire.

At that time, all off duty Donaldsonville Fire Department personnel enroute, not on scene at Lessard St., were diverted to Evangeline Extension and a request was made through dispatch for additional manpower from Paincourtville Volunteer Fire Department and Ascension Fire District #1.

No injuries have been reported in connection with any of the incidents.

The Donaldsonville Fire Department would like to thank the Paincourtville Volunteer Fire Department, and all the Ascension Fire District #1 fire departments that came to Donaldsonville Fire Department's aid.

Both structure fires are under investigation by the Donaldsonville Fire Department and the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office.

Travis M. Cedotal
Fire Chief
Donaldsonville Fire Department/Ascension Fire District #2

Ascension Parish Issues Burn Ban

In response to ongoing wildfire activity across Southeast Louisiana and continued dangerous fire weather conditions, Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment has issued a parish-wide burn ban effective immediately.

Recent wildfires in neighboring parishes, including Livingston and St. Tammany, combined with dry vegetation, low humidity, and windy conditions, have significantly increased the risk of rapidly spreading fires throughout the region.

The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including debris burning, trash burning, and open-air fires, until Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

The decision follows consultation with Ascension Parish fire chiefs, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Ascension Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, which continue to monitor weather conditions and wildfire risks closely.

“The safety of our residents and first responders is our top priority,” said Parish President Clint Cointment. “With active wildfires impacting communities across Louisiana and conditions remaining extremely dry, issuing this burn ban is a necessary step to prevent dangerous fires here in Ascension Parish.”

Officials will continue evaluating conditions and will modify or lift the burn ban as weather patterns improve. Residents are urged to report any signs of fire or smoke immediately by calling 911.