News Release

Gulf Islands National Seashore Responds to Wildfire in Naval Live Oaks Area Update

News Release Date: October 9, 2023 GULF BREEZE, Fla. -- The Jackson Fire is contained, but there is still an active fire in the burn area within the boundaries of the Naval Live Oaks Area (Reservation).  Due to weather, smoke may gather on the roadway causing road closures or delays. Please use caution while driving through this area. 

Yesterday, Highway 98 through the Gulf Islands National Seashore’s Naval Live Oaks Area closed for an active wildfire response.  National Park Service staff responded to a wildfire Oct. 8,  at 1:00 p.m.  The fire burned through 44 acres in Gulf Islands National Seashore.  No structures or equipment were damaged.  The cause of the wildfire is unknown currently.

The Naval Live Oaks Area north of Highway 98 will be closed until further notice for fire response.  The Naval Live Oaks Area is a day-use area open 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Park areas south of Highway 98 are open till 6:00 p.m.

The first responders on the scene were the Gulf Breeze and Midway Fire Departments, the Florida Forest Service, Gulf Breeze Police Department, and the National Park Service.

For more information about the Naval Live Oaks Area or questions regarding the fire, please contact Gulf Islands National Seashore at [e-mail].

About Gulf Islands National Seashore: Created in 1971, the national seashore stretches 160 miles along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida and Mississippi and includes barrier islands, maritime forests, historic forts, bayous, and marine habitats. Visit us at www.nps.gov/guis, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 425 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities.