News Release

National Park Service Plans Prescribed Burn for the Davis Bayou Area in Gulf Islands National Seashore

NPS/GUIS

News Release Date: February 9, 2026

Contact: stephenie sztendera, 8503937952

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. -- Gulf Islands National Seashore plans to conduct a prescribed burn within the Davis Bayou Area sometime between Feb. 7 and 27. 

The planned burn is scheduled to take place between 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. but will only occur if specific conditions are met. The park will review the conditions over the next few weeks to determine if the burn will take place. For park safety and closure information visit the parks website www.nps.gov/guis or the Facebook page www.facebook.com/GulfIslandsNPS/. 

Longleaf pine flatwood habitats in the Davis Bayou Area depend upon regular fire to maintain this ecosystem type, which is important for several protected species including the gopher tortoise. The national seashore has developed small burn blocks to mitigate potential community impacts. Ground ignition will be used to limit smoke and help provide maximum control of the burn areas. Park visitors may experience minor smoke impacts and possibly short-term road closures necessary for the safety of visitors, firefighters and equipment. 

Recent wildland fire seasons have been extreme, serving as a reminder that fire is a natural process and proactive measures can diminish the possibility or prevent wildfires from spreading. Introducing fire into the ecosystem, through the seashore’s prescribed fire program can help curtail the risk to life, property and resources in the event of a wildfire caused by a lightning strike or incidental human causes. Beyond preventative measures, fire can benefit wildlife and their habitat.  

Media Advisory: Media will not be granted access to staff for interviews or the area for safety reasons. For questions, please email [e-mail]. 

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.