New Orleans Grapples with Heavy Smoke and Challenging Fires near Bayou Sauvage and Lafitte
Heavy smoke in New Orleans, causing visibility problems and a strong odor, is the result of a fire near Bayou Sauvage, ignited by a lightning strike in late July 2023. The smoke is caused by smoldering peat, and unfavorable winds have prevented its dispersion. Efforts to combat the fire are challenging due to its location surrounded by water. Additionally, there is another marsh fire near Lafitte that is 52% contained, and both fires are affecting travel conditions, with a dense fog advisory in effect. Improved winds are expected to aid in dispersing the smoke and preventing further fog development.
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Early Tuesday morning, a series of at least five crashes occurred on Interstate 10 outside New Orleans, resulting in at least one fatality and eight injuries.