Marsh fire smoke blows into Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - New Orleans mayor Mitch Landrieu declared a state of emergency for New Orleans because of the marsh fire, and now it's pushing foul smelling smoke into Baton Rouge.

Landrieu said his main reason for declaring the state of emergency is to allow firefighters access to private property as they try to put out the fire that has burned nearly 2,300 acres. The fire is not an immediate threat to life or property because it's in such a remote area of eastern New Orleans, but the mayor said people will still be affected by the smoke for the next few days, especially those with health problems.

"I would ask that you to please heed the warning and take precaution," Landrieu said.

Tuesday Baton Rouge residents like Ellen Keim noticed the smoke creep into Baton Rouge.

"I can see the haze across the sky, but I really personally don't feel it," Keim said.

The state's Department of Environmental Quality says it started getting swamped with calls Tuesday morning.

"We have seen have seen moderate levels at two of our monitors here in town," Rodney Mallett, DEQ press secretary said. "That's higher than it was yesterday and the day before, and usually particulate matter is associated with smoke."

Mallett said at this time, the air quality in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas is not a health hazard.

"Now all indications are that it is at a moderate level. So you would have to be unusually sensitive with lung disease or lung issues to feel any kind of effect," Mallett said.

Mallett said DEQ will continue to monitor the air quality especially since the winds will continue to flow from the east possibly pushing more smoke into our area.

The fire is located in New Orleans East near Interstate 10 and Interstate 510.

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry spokesman Sam Irwin says an aerial survey indicates the fire could burn out on the surface by Wednesday afternoon, although it could continue to burn underground.

The fire is on 2,300 acres surrounded by canals. Irwin said Tuesday's survey showed that just over three square miles have burned. That leaves just over one-half-square mile to burn.

It is unclear how long the fire might burn beneath the surface.

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