Walton County Fire Rescue responded to a reported structure fire this afternoon on Jim Roberts Road in Bruce.

At 1:13 p.m. on March 18, 2026, WCFR crews and Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched after a neighbor called 911 reporting smoke and flames coming from a nearby home. Deputies arrived to find a single-story residence fully engulfed, with the fire threatening nearby structures. Firefighters arrived shortly after and immediately launched an aggressive attack.

Crews were able to bring the fire under control in less than 30 minutes, preventing it from spreading to neighboring homes.

Fortunately, the resident made it out of the home safely and was not injured.

The fire is believed to have been caused by a malfunctioning space heater.

Walton County Fire Rescue reminds residents to use caution when operating heating devices. Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heat sources and never leave space heaters unattended.

A good Samaritan’s quick decision to call 911 set a rapid emergency response in motion this evening after flames were spotted coming from a home in Darlington.

At approximately 4:48 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Walton County Fire Rescue and Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a residence on Highway 2 West after a passing motorist reported the fire. Fortunately, the owner was able to make it out of the home safely before first responders arrived.

When Walton County Fire Rescue Engine 3 made it on scene, firefighters encountered a single-story residence approximately 70 percent involved with fire. Crews immediately began suppression efforts, joined by volunteer firefighters from the Liberty and Argyle fire districts, working quickly to knock down the flames.

The home sustained extensive fire damage.

The homeowner reported minor burns but declined medical treatment at the scene. He told firefighters the fire started while he was attempting to light a wood-burning heater inside the home.

“We’re thankful the homeowner was able to escape safely,” said Walton County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Austin Pugh. “This incident is a reminder of how quickly fire can spread, especially when heating sources are involved.”

American Red Cross assistance was offered to the homeowner, but he declined, stating he had belongings at a nearby family member’s home.

Walton County Fire Rescue reminds residents not to use heat accelerants when lighting wood-burning heaters or fireplaces and always follow proper fire-safety guidelines.  

A late morning residential fire sent one resident to the hospital and prompted a multi-agency response in the Liberty community. 

At 10:47 AM, Walton County Fire Rescue and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a reported structure fire at a residence on Caswell Road after a caller reported flames near a fuse box in the kitchen. Walton County Fire Rescue responded to assist Liberty Volunteer Fire District, along with DeFuniak Springs Fire Department and Argyle Volunteer Fire Department.

When WCSO deputies arrived, the residents had safely exited the home, but advised deputies that a cat and a dog were believed to still be inside. Deputies immediately began searching through windows and were able to locate the dog. Responders provided oxygen to the small dog while firefighters continued battling the blaze.

Walton County Fire Rescue crews made entry into the mobile home to conduct an initial search before beginning interior fire suppression operations. Firefighters worked quickly to bring the fire under control, extinguishing the flames within approximately 30 minutes.

One resident was transported to a local hospital for treatment related to smoke inhalation.

The rescued dog was transported by Walton County Animal Control to a nearby veterinarian for evaluation and care.

Walton County Fire Rescue cleared the scene at approximately 11:17 AM once the fire was fully extinguished and the structure was secured.

“Our primary concern is that both the resident and their dog receive the care they need after this frightening incident,” said Walton County Fire Chief Austin Pugh. “We are grateful for the quick response of all agencies involved and for everyone’s efforts to ensure their safety.” 

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

Holmes County, Fla. – A quiet afternoon at the intersection of County Road 179 and State Road 2 took an unexpected turn when a logging truck left the roadway and crashed into a vacant home, causing significant structural damage and a complex vehicle recovery operation.

Just after 2:30 p.m. on January 6, 2026, the Walton County Fire Rescue Technical Rescue Team (FL-TRT106) was activated after the semi-truck lost control when another vehicle pulled out in front of it. The driver sustained only minor injuries and was able to exit the vehicle before the team arrived.

While no one was inside the home at the time of the crash, the impact significantly compromised the structure’s stability. As a tow truck prepared to remove the logging truck, it became clear that pulling the vehicle free could cause the damaged home to collapse.

Within an hour of activation, nine members of FL-TRT106 were on scene, developing a stabilization plan. The team installed three vertical shores in key locations, reinforcing weakened areas and preventing further structural failure.

With the building stabilized, rescue personnel carefully removed entangled building materials that had trapped the semi-truck. This allowed the tow truck to safely extract the vehicle without causing additional damage to the home.

In just over two hours, the coordinated effort allowed crews to safely free the logging truck and clear the scene, all while preventing a partial collapse of the already-damaged home.

“This incident is a great example of why technical rescue training matters,” said Walton County Fire Chief Austin Pugh. “We were fortunate the driver made it out safely, and the home was vacant, but every situation like this helps our team practice the skills and decision-making that could one day save lives.”

Walton County, Fla. – Walton County Fire Rescue (WCFR) is proud to announce its official recognition by the State of Florida as a certified Florida State Technical Rescue Team (TRT). Assigned TRT number 106, this designation marks a significant milestone for the department and enhances the level of specialized emergency response available to the residents and visitors of Walton County.

The certification acknowledges that WCFR’s team has met the rigorous training, equipment, and operational standards required by the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association. As a certified Technical Rescue Team, WCFR is now formally eligible to respond to complex incidents statewide, including confined space rescues, structural collapses, high-angle operations, trench rescues, and other specialized rescue scenarios.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and professionalism of our team,” said Fire Chief Austin Pugh. “Our community counts on us during their toughest moments, and now this designation gives us even more capability to help when it matters most.”

Becoming a certified Technical Rescue Team requires extensive training, specialized equipment, and a proven ability to handle complex rescue situations safely and effectively. With this designation, Walton County Fire Rescue is now part of an elite network of teams across Florida, ready to respond to major emergencies and disasters.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our team,” said Sheriff Adkinson. “Earning this state-certified status is a clear reflection of our commitment to providing Walton County residents with the highest level of emergency response – ready whenever and wherever it’s needed most.”

MOSSY HEAD, FL. – A 22-year-old horse is back on her feet thanks to the quick thinking and teamwork of Walton County Fire Rescue firefighters and Walton County Animal Control.

At 11:19 this morning, Walton County dispatchers received a call about a horse trapped upside down in a water trough at a home on Brookside Drive in Mossy Head. The horse, named Delisia, had just returned from three weeks at a veterinary hospital in Tallahassee, where she was being treated for severe equine asthma. Her owner, keeping a close eye on her after such a long absence, had left her side to go inside her home briefly to comfort her dog, who was frightened by thunder. When she returned to the barn, she found Delisia overturned in an empty water trough.

Firefighters arrived on scene alongside Walton County Animal Control Officer Brandy Sydow, and Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies. After a quick assessment, the team began coordinating a safe way to lift the horse out of the trough. Part of a partition, positioned over the trough, had to be removed by firefighters. Once cleared, straps were carefully placed around Delisia, and using the owner’s tractor, the firefighters lifted her to safety.

Doctor Blackwood, veterinarian for the Walton County Animal Shelter, came to examine her, and fortunately, Delisia had no injuries.

“Animal rescues like this are always rewarding,” says Walton County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Austin Pugh. “Our team was just glad we could safely get this horse out of a dangerous situation and reunite her with the family who has cared for her for the past 18 years.”

Thanks to the quick response and careful work of everyone on scene, Delisia is now safe, healthy, and back with her herd.

Walton County Fire Rescue (WCFR) is proud to announce the launch of its new Fire Prevention Division, marking a significant step forward in community safety and risk reduction.

This proactive initiative is designed to safeguard lives and property by identifying and addressing potential fire hazards before they become emergencies. The Fire Prevention Division will conduct regular inspections to ensure local businesses and properties comply with state and local fire codes. Fire inspectors will be checking for common risks like blocked exits, missing or non-functional smoke alarms, overloaded electrical circuits, and unmaintained sprinkler systems.

“This new division allows us to take a more preventative approach to fire safety,” said Fire Chief Austin Pugh. “It’s about protecting lives, protecting property, and working hand-in-hand with our community to create a safer Walton County.”

At the helm of this initiative is Fire Marshal Jeremy Radney, a seasoned firefighter/paramedic with nearly two decades of experience. With a proven background in leadership, fire instruction, and public safety, Radney brings both passion and professionalism to this vital new role.

Beyond inspections, the Fire Prevention Division will champion public education through engaging fire safety programs tailored for both children and adults. These efforts will include school visits, community outreach events, and hands-on learning experiences that equip residents with essential fire prevention knowledge.

Though currently a small team, WCFR plans to grow the division in the near future to support long-term success. As the first dedicated fire prevention team in the department’s history, this investment represents a strong commitment to meeting the safety needs of a rapidly expanding community.

Business owners and property managers within Walton County Fire Rescue’s fire district are encouraged to contact the Fire Prevention Division to schedule inspections or learn more about available resources.  

For more information, visit https://waltonso.org/fire-prevention/ or email fireprevention@waltonso.org.

This morning, Walton County Fire Rescue responded to a mutual aid request from the DeFuniak Springs Fire Department following reports of a structure fire at the Burger King located on U.S. Highway 331 South in DeFuniak Springs.

At approximately 9:40 a.m., units from Walton County Fire Rescue arrived on scene to assist DeFuniak Springs firefighters, along with volunteers from Liberty Volunteer Fire District and Argyle Volunteer Fire District. Smoke was visible from the front right corner of the building when crews arrived. Firefighters worked together for more than 45 minutes to bring the blaze under control.

Fortunately, all occupants had safely evacuated the building before fire crews arrived. So, no one was injured in the fire.

“We take pride in working side-by-side with our partner agencies to protect life and property,” said Fire Chief Austin Pugh of Walton County Fire Rescue. “Today’s response is a great example of teamwork across departments and districts. We’re grateful everyone made it out safely.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

FREEPORT, FL – Walton County Fire Rescue crews responded early this morning to a structure fire at Grady Brown Park in Freeport after a passerby spotted flames coming from the park’s bathroom facility.

At 3:23 AM, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a 911 call reporting flames coming from the restrooms. The caller stated they had seen fire coming from the back door of the building while driving through the area.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Walton County Fire Rescue crews arrived on scene moments later to find the structure fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters immediately began suppression efforts and worked quickly to contain the blaze.

Thankfully, no one was injured in the fire.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to investigate the cause of the fire. It was ruled accidental in nature.

“This could have been much worse if not for the quick response of our crews and the person who made the call,” said Fire Chief Austin Pugh. “We train for moments like this, and our team executed exactly as they should.”

Walton County Fire Rescue cleared the scene at 8:14 AM.

At approximately 10:27 AM, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office communications center received a 911 call reporting a house fire on Punch Bowl Road. The caller, who was driving by the home, noticed heavy smoke coming from the structure and quickly called for help.

Walton County Fire Rescue crews arrived on scene to find thick smoke pouring from a single-story home. Firefighters jumped into action and were able to quickly knock down the flames, bringing the situation under control within minutes.

Fortunately, the resident of the home was not there when the fire started, and no civilians were injured. One Walton County firefighter sustained minor burns while battling the blaze.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Walton County Fire Rescue offered to contact the American Red Cross for assistance, but the resident declined.

“While we’re saddened that a resident lost their home today, we’re thankful that no one was home at the time of the fire,” said Fire Chief Austin Pugh. “Our crews responded quickly and did a great job containing the fire and preventing further damage.”