Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Stain, D.V.M., said the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has installed a new emergency hotline phone system to better serve the public.

The new emergency hotline number is 1-855-452-5323. 

This hotline will be manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Strain said the LDAF should be immediately notified for any emergencies involving wildfire, pesticides and animal health.

“The LDAF is the lead state agency for the detection and suppression of wildfires,” Strain said. “We investigate woods arson, and with the rash of wildland fires due to the extreme drought Louisiana is currently experiencing, your life could be threatened by an out of control wildfire. Call the LDAF immediately if you suspect a wildfire is beginning to burn.”

The LDAF is also investigates all aspects of agricultural theft, whether it be the theft of a $100,000 tractor, twenty loads of timber or a valuable thoroughbred, Strain said.

“We are here to protect the consumer,” Strain said. “Remember, call the LDAF for any emergency involving agriculture, pesticides, and wildfire detection and suppression. The number is 1-855-452-5323.”

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