Fire crews in Gulf Breeze worked through the weekend to contain a 44-acre wildfire burning in the Naval Live Oaks area of Gulf Islands National Seashore, with the fire contained as of Monday afternoon though officials said active flames remained inside the burn zone.
Multiple agencies responded Sunday afternoon to the blaze, dubbed the “Jackson Fire,” at the historic preserve east of downtown Gulf Breeze. Flames and heavy smoke rose near Highway 98, prompting road closures and alarming residents who watched the smoke drift toward the roadway.
Gulf Breeze resident Stacy Chrisco said she saw billowing smoke while driving down Highway 98, with flames getting closer to the road until fire trucks arrived. Another resident, Mary StClair, credited the quick response of local first responders and said neighbors were concerned about damage to structures, people and wildlife.
The response drew together the Gulf Breeze and Midway fire departments, the Florida Forest Service, the Gulf Breeze Police Department and the National Park Service. Officials reported no injuries and no damaged structures; the cause of the wildfire remained unknown.
Gulf Islands National Seashore staff urged drivers to use caution in the area, warning that shifting weather could pool smoke along the roadway and force additional closures or delays.