Another forest blaze called out Walton County firefighters again on Thursday, June 28. The fire ultimately involved more than 50 acres of federal reservation property south of State Road 20 near Basin Bayou west of Freeport. The fire was contained by 7:30 p.m. There was no damage to homes near the area, and no injuries reported. This is the second wildfire in Walton County this week.
The call was received by Walton 911 at about 2:30 pm. Units responded from Jackson Guard, Eglin AFB, Freeport Volunteer Fire Department, and Walton Fire Rescue from the Tri-Village Station in Choctaw Beach. Most of the units were released at 7:30 when the fire was brought under control, but Freeport Volunteer Fire Department will keep watch to ensure the safety of homes in the event of a reflash.
There is no danger to homes surrounding the affected area, but heavy smoke has severely reduced visibility on State Road 20. To prevent accidents, State Road 20 has been closed from Alaqua Drive on the eastern side of the fire area to I.D. Martin Road on the western side. According to Ben Greenslait, Freeport VFD's on-scene commander, the calm winds and humidity conditions have caused the smoke to hang heavily along the road. For public safety, the road will remain closed until morning when the situation can be reevaluated.
Residents of the area can reach their homes, but through-traffic between Freeport and Niceville is not allowed. Because of the location of SR 20 along the Bay, the only alternate route until the road is reopened will be U.S. 331 to the Bob Sikes Road or Interstate 10 in DeFuniak Springs, then down SR 285 or SR 85 into Niceville.
Thanks for your interest in Walton County!
Ken Little
Citizen Services Director
Public Information Officer
312 College Avenue, Unit B
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-8530
fax: (850) 892-8539
mobile: (850) 951-3711
litken@co.walton.fl.us
www.co.walton.fl.us
The call was received by Walton 911 at about 2:30 pm. Units responded from Jackson Guard, Eglin AFB, Freeport Volunteer Fire Department, and Walton Fire Rescue from the Tri-Village Station in Choctaw Beach. Most of the units were released at 7:30 when the fire was brought under control, but Freeport Volunteer Fire Department will keep watch to ensure the safety of homes in the event of a reflash.
There is no danger to homes surrounding the affected area, but heavy smoke has severely reduced visibility on State Road 20. To prevent accidents, State Road 20 has been closed from Alaqua Drive on the eastern side of the fire area to I.D. Martin Road on the western side. According to Ben Greenslait, Freeport VFD's on-scene commander, the calm winds and humidity conditions have caused the smoke to hang heavily along the road. For public safety, the road will remain closed until morning when the situation can be reevaluated.
Residents of the area can reach their homes, but through-traffic between Freeport and Niceville is not allowed. Because of the location of SR 20 along the Bay, the only alternate route until the road is reopened will be U.S. 331 to the Bob Sikes Road or Interstate 10 in DeFuniak Springs, then down SR 285 or SR 85 into Niceville.
Thanks for your interest in Walton County!
Ken Little
Citizen Services Director
Public Information Officer
312 College Avenue, Unit B
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-8530
fax: (850) 892-8539
mobile: (850) 951-3711
litken@co.walton.fl.us
www.co.walton.fl.us
