Flames burn part of Desoto National Forest in Harrison County

A forest fire quickly grew as flames engulfed the side of Desoto National Forest near Highway 49.

A fire quickly spread this afternoon across part of Desoto National Forest.

Harrison County Fire Rescue Chief Pat Sullivan says his team and the Gulfport Fire Department responded to the scene to a find a portion of Desoto National Forest near Highway 49 and Jim Lee Road in flames.

U.S. Forest Services also responded to the scene.

Chief Sullivan says one of his main concerns with the fire was the heavy wind which was spreading the fire quickly across the forest. He says his main priority was to help prevent any homes or other buildings from being damaged from the flames.

A lane of Highway 49 northbound near Jim Lee Road was closed during the incident. Chief Sullivan said, “Just because the woods is on fire doesn’t mean there might not be a house immediately involved or a business immediately involved, there’s still the danger. Our personnel are still in there risking our lives trying to control this and to keep it from moving into somebody’s area or their homes or their businesses and destroying their property.”

A lane of Highway 49 northbound near Jim Lee Road was closed during the incident.