Hardin County Emergency Services District 5

04/12/2026

🔥 Hardin County – Outdoor Burning Warning 🔥

The wind has already picked up on this lovely Sunday morning, as a reminder conditions across our area are creating a high risk for fast-moving fires. With drought conditions, high winds, and low humidity, even a small spark can quickly turn into a dangerous wildfire.

🚫 We strongly urge all residents to avoid outdoor burning at this time.

⚠️ Key Safety Reminders:
• Dead foliage can ignite easily and spread rapidly
• Fires can become uncontrollable in minutes
• NEVER leave a fire unattended

Your safety—and the safety of our community—depends on making smart choices during these hazardous conditions. Please help us prevent wildfires by postponing any outdoor burning.

Stay safe, Hardin County.
— Hardin County Office of Emergency Management

04/11/2026

03/03/2026

Burn ban for Hardin County This decision is based upon current and predicted weather conditions, including extreme drought, dry fuels, and gusty winds, all contributing to elevated fire danger levels. This declaration and order is being implemented after consultation with the Hardin County Office of Emergency Management, Texas A&M Forest Service, Gulf Coast Weather Solutions and National Weather Service – Lake Charles. Additionally, the majority of our Fire Chiefs have recommended that a Burn Ban be ordered to prevent additional wildfires as their personnel have responded to more than 30 over the past two weeks.

03/01/2026

2026 Touch-a-Truck at Hardin-Jefferson High School

02/24/2026

We've been running a lot of brush fires lately. Please help reduce our number of fires by not burning. Thank you!

1003 AM CST Tue Feb 24 2026
..RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS EVENING...

The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has issued a Red Flag Warning for low humidity, gusty winds, and dry fuels, which is in effect until 6 PM CST this evening.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 027 Vernon, Fire Weather Zone 028 Rapides, Fire Weather Zone 029 Avoyelles, Fire Weather Zone 030 Beauregard, Fire Weather Zone 031 Allen, Fire Weather Zone 032 Evangeline, Fire Weather Zone 033 St. Landry, Fire Weather Zone 180 Tyler, Fire Weather Zone 201 Hardin, Fire Weather Zone 259 Northern Jasper, Fire Weather Zone 260 Northern Newton, Fire Weather Zone 261 Southern Jasper and Fire Weather Zone 262 Southern Newton.

* TIMING...Until 6 PM CST this evening.

* WINDS...South 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent.

* TEMPERATURES...Up to 70.

* IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

11/13/2025

10/21/2025

10/20/2025

A house fire early Sunday in Nederland, Texas claimed the life of a 57-year-old woman, leaving a community in shock and prompting renewed calls for fire safety awareness.

At approximately 4:30 a.m., firefighters responded to a structure fire at a single-family home in Nederland, Texas. Upon arrival, crews found the residence fully engulfed. The occupant, a 57-year-old woman, had suffered severe burns and was unable to escape the blaze.
Officials from the Jefferson County Fire Marshal’s Office say the cause of the fire remains under investigation, and while foul play is not currently suspected, the early hour and extent of the flames raise many questions.
Neighbors who heard smoke alarms and saw the glow called 911, and a rapid response helped prevent further damage to the surrounding homes, though one nearby property did sustain minor heat and smoke damage. The identity of the woman has not yet been released pending family notification.
Local community groups are already mobilizing to provide support for the family. The loss has struck at the heart of Nederland, a tight-knit community east of Beaumont, Texas, where neighbors know one another and tragedies ripple outward.
Fire officials are urging residents to ensure that smoke detectors are installed and functioning, that escape routes are planned and rehearsed, and that older homes with outdated wiring or space heaters be inspected for fire hazards.
As the investigation continues, the focus will be on understanding how the fire started, how it spread so quickly, and what lessons can be taken to protect other residents from a similar fate.

Would you like me to pull more details — such as exact address, timeline of the fire department’s response, or interviews from neighbors?