Louisiana’s Largest Wildfire Remembered in Beauregard Exhibit

DeRidder, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - It has been two years since the largest wildfire in Louisiana's history swept through Central Louisiana. Now, a new exhibit in Beauregard Parish is taking visitors inside the unforgettable disaster with never-before-seen photos, artwork, and emotional stories from the firefighters who risked it all.

The Tiger Island Fire in Beauregard Parish started on August 22, 2023, during a very dry summer that caused many wildfires across the state. The fire burned for more than a month and spread across 33,000 acres, destroying 29 buildings, including homes. Even though the fire caused heavy damage, no lives were lost.

I grew up in DeRidder and go to church in the Merryville area, so seeing all of the stories during that month was one of the most horrific times of my life. I witnessed the countless hours of work and the very little sleep my friends and former co-workers at Today’s Country 105.7, KVVP Radio in Leesville, endured as they worked tirelessly to keep the community informed.

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Beauregard Museum Debuts Special Tiger Island Fire Exhibit

Now, the Beauregard Museum is remembering this event with a special exhibit running from September 27 to October 25. The exhibit will showcase artwork by Tony McDonald and photography by local photographer Rickie Smith, who spent time on the front lines with firefighters.

The exhibit will also feature videos of local firefighters and officials sharing their personal stories from that historic summer. It is sponsored by the Merryville Museum and Historical Society, the families of G. Brian Brown (in his memory), Mark Anderson and Susan Scalfi, and AmeriSafe.