News Release

Whitney Fire Contained

Burned areas showing regrowth following the Whitney Fire.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: July 26, 2019

Contact: Nick Roll, 912-882-4336x252

Whitney Fire contained and regular operations resume at Cumberland Island National Seashore

The Whitney Fire has been placed in 100 percent containment status at 441 acres. The fire received a considerable amount of rainfall on Wednesday, registering approximately 1.77 inches. Fire behavior had been minimal and no growth had been recorded for several days prior to the recent precipitation. A few smoldering hot spots remain but are interior and pose no immediate threat.

Limited trail closures remain. Brickhill Trail (east of Main Road) and Bunkley Trail (north of Killman Field Trail) will remain closed until further notice. All other trails will be open to public access. All roads and Brickhill Bluff Campground have returned to normal operations.

The Whitney Fire operations were conducted safely and successfully thanks to the support of the Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team, and resource and personnel support from interagency partners from: US Forest Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Georgia Forestry Commission, and Florida Forestry Service.

Interagency cooperation supports successful fire management programs through the sharing of equipment and skilled personnel. Fire operations have been turned back over to the Park's local fire management staff.
The Whitney Fire was ignited by a lightning strike the early morning of June 29th within the Cumberland Island Wilderness Area on Cumberland Island.

Over the past two years Cumberland Island National Seashore’s fire management team has worked to put in place a fuel break along North Cut Road by clearing debris and fuels along the road edge. This created a defensible zone fire crews used to protect the island’s historic structures and residences to the north.

Fire is a part of Cumberland Island’s ecosystem and occurs at regular intervals as part of the natural fire cycle.


If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to the Public Information Office 912-882-4336 x252.

Aerial video and image galleries showing the progression and extent of the fire have been posted to Cumberland Island National Seashore’s website at: www.nps.gov/cuis and the park’s Facebook site at www.facebook.com/CumberlandIslandNPS