Francine has weakened to a tropical storm as it drenches Mississippi.
The decision comes amid an economic crisis, exacerbated by a damaged oil pipeline and prolonged issues with oil exports.
Satellite views show smoke from the Bridge, Airport and Line fires grow and blend into a giant plume over Southern California.
Hurricane Francine is plowing through the Baton Rouge area, knocking down trees and power lines in its path.
Six people have drowned in Austria, Poland and Romania and four others are missing in the Czech Republic as storm Boris brought torrential rain and flooding.