Fire destroys Inlet Beach Access Boardwalk [Update: Repaired]

Edit - note there are (were) 3 boardwalks in the park so it should still be useable.


The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) received a call at approximately 11:00 a.m. today, reporting a brush fire on the dunes in the West Park Street area of Inlet Beach that was spreading rapidly. The fire was reported by an on duty SWFD Lifeguard to the SWFD Communications Center. Our Fire Crews responded to find the dune line of this area on fire, threatening a nearby house and spreading to area walkovers and boardwalks. SWFD firefighters quickly deployed their lines and began attacking the main body of the fire, rapidly bringing the fire under control.

The fire ultimately burned the dunes in the area, approximately 100 feet of beach boardwalk. Although the fire spread to within five (5) feet of the nearby house, there was no damage reported to the structure.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.


Our current dry conditions and steady winds are the prime ingredients for potential wildfires. SWFD officials always urge residents to take extra measures to ensure their safety during the dry season.

OMG! Thankfully we have some full-time residents in our neighborhood for whom I am very appreciative.

We are staying at Inlet Dunes in July - will there be any issues for us to get to the beach??

We are staying at Inlet Dunes in July - will there be any issues for us to get to the beach??

No - the park has 3 boardwalks and Inlet Dunes is right in front of the middle boardwalk which was undamaged.

http://www.sowal.com/park/inlet-beach-access

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B_SW0ewXzg

We're in the midst of major fire season everywhere in Florida, especially over here on the East Coast right now. We went through the horrible 1998 fires here, and the culprit to the start of one of the biggest was thought to be a lit cigarette butt being tossed out the window of a car onto dry brush. Would suspect that the Inlet Beach one could have been caused by the same. Be careful everyone.

thanks for the great video Kurt! I can't wait to be on the beach. We love the natural dunes and the fine sandy beaches! Woo Hoo!

Over 25 cars at the access today enjoying the beach.

Update from TDC:

The Inlet Beach Boardwalk access, destroyed by fire on May 6, has been fully restored and is open for use. The project was completed by Freeport-based Backwood Bridges in just one week.