A routine brush fire mop-up in Nassau County turned tragic on April 23 when Hilliard volunteer firefighter James “Kevin” Crews suffered a medical emergency and later died, town officials said. Crews collapsed while working wildfire-suppression operations near the Georgia line and was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, leaving the small town stunned as multiple wildfires continue to burn across the region.
Our thoughts are with the Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department and the loved ones of Firefighter James “Kevin” Crews, who passed away on April 23 following a medical emergency during active wildfire operations in Nassau County. Kevin chose to serve his community as a volunteer https://x.com/i/status/2047758862359396777
— Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department (@THEJFRD) April 24, 2026
Local timeline and response
According to News4JAX, Crews was mopping up the Old Dixie Highway fire just south of Henry Smith Road around 5:20 p.m. when he experienced the medical emergency. First responders immediately began life-saving measures on scene before he was transported to UF Health on New Kings Road, where he died at about 6:50 p.m.
Service and role
Crews had served as a volunteer with the Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department for two years after beginning his firefighting career in Ware County, Georgia, and he was assigned to Station 4, the town release said, according to Action News Jax. Officials noted that the brush fire where he collapsed was one of several that had broken out in the Hilliard area in recent days, and mutual-aid crews were assisting at the scene.
Departments and neighbors respond
Hilliard Volunteer Fire Chief Jerry Johnson described Crews as “the epitome of courage and dedication” and said his sacrifice would not be forgotten, according to News4JAX. The Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department also publicly shared condolences on X, honoring Crews for choosing to serve his community as a volunteer firefighter.
Wider wildfire strain
The fatal incident comes as large wildfires across Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida have destroyed dozens of homes and strained local fire resources. Officials and scientists have cited drought conditions, gusty winds and dry fuels as key factors in the fire danger, according to reporting by the Associated Press. Fire managers say crews from multiple agencies have been working extended shifts to protect communities and lock in containment lines.
What’s next
The Town of Hilliard and the Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department are coordinating with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and state investigative agencies as they review the circumstances of Crews’s collapse. The family has requested privacy while memorial plans are made, according to Action News Jax. Officials are urging residents to follow fire-safety guidance and comply with any evacuation orders while crews finish mop-up and containment work in the area.
