Deer Island catches fire during firework show

For the first time in more than 20 years of firework shows in Biloxi, a fire broke out on Deer Island.

The fire was extinguished in about 15 minutes according to Biloxi fire officials.

Biloxi’s fire boat was already nearby just in case, which helped with the quick response when the flames erupted between 8 and 9 last night.

The fireworks display was being lit on a barge in the water off Deer Island but because of the wind, some of the fireworks blew into the vegetation on the island.

This made the fire look bigger than it actually was.

DMR officials say about one-fifth of an acre was affected by the fire and the island reopened today.

In addition to the fire on Deer Island, Biloxi Fire Department responded to at least seven other incidents on July 4th.

“You know during this time of year, anytime, you know the Fourth of July, New Years Eve, the call volume actually, it goes up pretty quick.” Jason Davis, the assistant fire chief, said. “So you know, the firefighters, they ran throughout, all night long because of fireworks”

Davis also says any time there’s a firework show in Biloxi, a company or organization has to go through a permit process.