Multiple Crews Fighting DeSoto National Forest 800-Acre Wildfire

A fire began on Wednesday afternoon that has rapidly spread to engulf 800 acres of DeSoto National Forest by Wednesday evening.

According to WLOX, the fire began in an area southwest of Highway 605 and Highway 67. As of 8:00 this morning, Thursday, the fire is still burning at 800 acres, and containment efforts are at 25 percent.

800 Acre DeSoto National Forest WildfirePhoto byHarrison County Sheriff's Office

At present, no homes have been damaged by the flames, but a few are under threat of harm. Emergency officials and firefighters are working to protect those homes in their efforts to contain the fire.

Emergency services on the scene include Harrison County Fire Rescue, Mississippi Forestry, and the U.S. Forest Service. Teams are stationed along Carson Road 4 and White Star Road.

More information will be released as it becomes available.