Press Release: Small Wildfire on Cumberland Island National Seashore Quickly Contained

August 3, 2011
For Immediate Release
John Fry 912-882-4336 ext. 262

Small Wildfire on Cumberland Island National Seashore Quickly Contained

St Marys, Georgia: On July 29, 2011, just after 4:00 p.m. Camden County
911 received a call reporting a fire on the south end of Cumberland Island.
Cumberland Island National Seashore officials were notified and dispatched to confirm the location and size of the fire. Upon arrival two Park Rangers found a small fire burning in mixed vegetation including cedar, pine, palmetto, and grasses. A private citizen was on scene and attempting to suppress the fire. During the investigation, park rangers and fire management officials determined that a lightning strike ignited the small fire on the south end of Cumberland Island.

"We appreciate the quick calls by local citizens to help locate the fire; however, we always want the public to remain safe," said Cumberland Island National Seashore Superintendent Fred Boyles. "Once placing the call to 911, the public should then wait for firefighters to arrive rather than trying to control the fire themselves."

"Fire in the ecosystem supports habitat diversity," continued Superintendent Boyles. "There are many species of plants including the Long Leaf Pine and other maritime ecosystem vegetation that require fire for general health and seed dispersal." Cumberland Island currently manages fire within the guidelines of the 2004 Fire Management Plan.

The Tortoise fire was contained to one quarter acre and was monitored through the night. High humidity, calm winds, and quick initial action by responding Park Service personnel contained the fire and ensured it remained under control. Additional resources consisting of two engine crews were requested from the Honey Prairie Fire Complex at the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and they arrived on scene Saturday morning.
They worked through the day performing additional containment and mop up operations. By Sunday night, the fire was 100% contained. Park service personnel continued working the fire and called the fire controlled on Monday afternoon. The fire is now considered to be "in monitor" status and will be checked periodically by fire staff.

The Tortoise fire is the second lightning strike fire on Cumberland Island this year. The Dune fire, also caused by lightning, started 6/7/11 and was also quickly contained to one quarter acre.

Cumberland Island is the largest barrier island off the coast of Georgia, encompassing more than 36,000 acres of maritime forests, salt marsh and beaches. The island is also home to over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness. The island's natural and cultural resources provide a rich and diverse habitat for wildlife and offer a glimpse into the long history of coastal Georgia. The Seashore is accessible by foot-only, passenger ferry from the historic community of St. Marys, Georgia.

-NPS-