Four agencies battled wildfire yesterday in Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) worked closely with Division of Forestry (DOF), the Walton County Sheriff's Department and Tops'l State Park personnel to successfully battle a 100 acre wildfire located in Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on the afternoon and evening of May 20.

"The fire is contained but we are still watching a spotting problem," said Bob Ray, Wildfire Mitigation Specialist for the Division of Forestry. Ray was contacted at 9:30 a.m. on May 21.

SWFD was on the scene at the fire from approximately 1:45p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on May 20. A call from a passing motorist of a tree on fire in the vicinity of the Hwy. 98 and CR 30A intersection initiated the response.

 Deputy Fire Chief Sean Hughes indicated that a dead tree had fallen across some power lines and ignited. Fire District crews arrived to find approximately 1 acre on fire, spreading quickly due to strong winds. The fire was started on the north side of the park and quickly spread, eventually jumping over the fire break and Campbell Lake and involving some forested beach areas.

A unified command post was immediately manned by District Chief Patterson acting as incident commander at U.S. Highway 98 and East Hewitt Road for the duration of the fire. From there, Patterson was in constant communication via radio with SWFD personnel, using a white board and maps of the park to direct firefighters to spot fires.

Tony Tindell, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park manager, was on the scene working with Patterson and Division of Forestry staff.

The Division of Forestry (DOF) was requested to respond and dug fire breaks in and around the park with seven tractors to contain the fire. The fire was contained within the boundaries of the park and no structures are threatened.

Asked about damage to the park from this fire, Hughes indicated that the burning, although dangerous because it was uncontrolled, provides benefits in clearing underbrush.

"The trees, although scorched, will continue to grow," said Hughes. "And wildlife knows what to do. I've been in fires with snakes and other animals just streaking across my boots to get out of the area."

"Some timber was lost, but overall, the fire, like a prescribed fire, is beneficial," said Ray. "We had a difficult time because of the swampy nature of the area, but it also helped keep the fire from spreading."

Ray indicated that a total of 10 DOF tractors were used in fighting the fire, including two heavy tractors.

"There were a total of 22 units from different agencies on the scene, including volunteers," said Ray. 125 acres of the park were impacted by the fire.