ISLAND CARETAKERS AIM TO DECREASE RISK OF WILDFIRES AND IMPROVE ECOLOGY BY BLAZING A PATH OF THEIR OWN

On May 2, 2017, lightning struck Jekyll Island, igniting tall pines near the marina and causeway. The blaze ultimately consumed 10 acres. Though bad luck triggered the flames, as a bit of good luck would have it, the Georgia State Patrol was conducting training nearby and used a helicopter to help with water drops. In a few days, the fire was extinguished. But three years later the effects are still visible in the scarred and dead trees near the entrance to the island.

To prevent future fires and to conserve the island’s natural resources, the Jekyll Island Authority embarked on a plan: set small fires to prevent larger ones. For the layperson, fighting fire with fire seems paradoxical. But it’s an historically proven process to reduce the risk of blazes getting out of control and to keep natural habitats healthy.

By REBECCA BURNS

Photography by BRIAN AUSTIN LEE