News Release

Prescribed burn of debris pile on southern end of the island

The debris pile on Raccoon Key

NPS Map

News Release Date: April 19, 2019

Contact: Nick Roll, 912-882-4336x252

Release Date: Immediate
Contact: Nick Roll, 912-882-4336 ext 252

Cumberland Island National Seashore to carry out prescribed burn of debris pile on the southern end of the island Saturday, April 20^th

St. Marys, GA - Cumberland Island National Seashore will carry out a prescribed burn operation on Saturday, April 20^th 2019 of a debris pile located on the southern end of the island at a location known locally as Raccoon Key. The operation will be conducted weather permitting. Impacts are expected to be minimal though visitors may see and smell some smoke when near the area.

The pile covers approximately two acres and consists of dried vegetation cleared from the island landscape as part of landscape maintenance and fuel thinning operations, in accordance with Cumberland Island’s Fire Management Plan. A carefully developed prescribed fire plan has been approved for this project. The National Park Service must meet a defined set of conditions before starting the prescribed burn including obtaining burning permits from the Georgia Forestry Commission. Fire managers will also look for acceptable burning conditions including favorable humidity, temperatures, and winds. 

Smoke will be monitored to ensure that the Intracoastal Waterway, neighboring communities of St. Marys, Georgia and Fernandina Beach, Florida have minimal impacts. “Overall safety and smoke management are our primary concerns for this operation,” said Cumberland Island National Seashore Superintendent Gary Ingram.

Fire managers anticipate visible smoke for several days after the initial start of the burn. The prescribed fire will be conducted and monitored by trained, experienced National Park Service firefighters. Access to the area will be restricted while the fire is active.