Louisiana I-12 Shutdown in St. Tammany Parish After Major Wildfire Sparks Smoke-Choked Conditions Near Highways 59 and 434
LOUISIANA — A major wildfire in St. Tammany Parish has forced a shutdown of Interstate 12 in both directions, cutting off a key stretch of roadway between Highway 59 and Highway 434 as thick smoke and flames created dangerous driving conditions.
A photo attributed to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office shows intense smoke reducing visibility on the interstate while fire burns along the roadside, underscoring the urgency of the closure and the risks for anyone attempting to travel through the area.
Interstate 12 Closed in Both Directions Between Highway 59 and Highway 434
Officials reported that I-12 is shut down in both directions between Highway 59 and Highway 434, a disruption likely to cause major delays for commuters and regional travelers. With smoke drifting across lanes and flames visible near the roadway, the closure appears aimed at preventing crashes and allowing emergency crews to operate safely.
Drivers in the area should expect detours, rerouted traffic, and potentially long backups as authorities manage the fire conditions and monitor changes in wind and smoke movement.
Smoke and Roadside Flames Create Hazardous Visibility for Drivers
Wildfire smoke can turn roadways dangerous within minutes, especially when it thickens and settles low across lanes. In the image shared, the interstate appears engulfed in a heavy haze, with patches of fire burning close to the shoulder—conditions that can cause sudden stops, chain-reaction crashes, and disorientation.
Even if flames are not directly on the pavement, smoke alone can make it unsafe to continue driving, particularly for larger vehicles and nighttime travel when visibility is already reduced.
What Drivers Should Do Until Conditions Improve
With I-12 shut down, drivers should avoid the closure zone and follow official traffic guidance rather than trying to bypass barricades or use unsafe cut-through routes. If you encounter smoke while driving, slowing down, increasing following distance, and using headlights can help—but the safest option is often to exit the area entirely if conditions worsen.
Emergency officials may reopen lanes only when fire behavior and smoke levels improve enough to make travel safe again.
If you’re in St. Tammany Parish or were impacted by the I-12 shutdown, share what you’re seeing on the ground—traffic backups, smoke conditions, or detour routes—and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
