The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry said logging equipment parked off La. 465 north of Simpson was set ablaze over the weekend and they are searching for the arsonists involved.

Public Information Director Megan Moore said Vernon Parish volunteer fire department crews responded to the fire on the night of Aug. 24. Investigators said after the logging crew left ended their shifts on Aug. 23, several pieces of logging equipment and timber caught fire.

“The fire destroyed one skidder and damaged another skidder and loader, with a total value of over $500,000,” Moore said.

She said investigators with LDAF’s Enforcement Division determined this wildfire to have been caused by arson. LDAF investigators and Vernon Parish sheriff’s detectives are actively investigating this matter.

Anyone woth any information is asked to call LDAF at 1-855-452-5323 or the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337-238-1311.