Firefighters in Freeport, Fla.responded to a four-alarm blaze on Friday, July 6. The crew aboard engine 22 reported heavy fire through the roof of a church under construction.
OIC Capt. Richard Withrow established command while arriving companies initiated an exterior attack. Mutual Aid tanker support began shuttle operations including drafting from a nearby pond.
The fire extended into the treeline requiring the Division of Forestry to dispatch a tractor team to cut a fire break. The fire was under control by 12:00 a.m. Companies remained on scene throughout the night overhauling.
The church was a total loss. Mutual aid from seven communities including Division of Forestry, Redbay, Trivillage, Liberty, Argyle, South Walton Fire District, Walton County Fire Rescue.
