Extreme Heat and Wildfires (2023)

Dates Active: August – October 2023 (peak season)
Hazards: Wildfires (60 000+ acres burned) and record heat/drought
Areas Impacted: Multiple parishes across Louisiana
Estimated Impact: Evacuations, infrastructure damage, public-health threats

In 2023, Louisiana faced a compound disaster as extreme heat and wildfires struck during the peak of hurricane season. The state recorded its highest heat-index days in history, intensifying wildfire risks and straining communities already vulnerable to seasonal storms, creating a year of unprecedented climate challenges.

RSI’s Impact
Embedded in Louisiana’s ESF-8 operations to coordinate medical sheltering, long-term care evacuations, and multi-agency field response under extreme conditions.