On Veterans Day Monday November 11, 2002 at 1430 hours, the Walton County Emergency Operations Center received a report of a structure fire at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10555 in Inlet Beach, Florida. The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) responded with a structural assignment of Engines 1and 2, Truck 3, and Squad 3 and District 1.
Engine 1 arrived to find heavy fire and smoke showing from the attic and initiated an aggressive attack. Shortly thereafter, the roof collapsed forcing SWFD crews into a defensive posture. Engine 4,Tanker 3, and Panama City Beach Fire Rescue were requested on a second alarm and Destin Fire District covered SWFD Station 5. Multiple large hand lines were used to bring the fire under control. No injuries were reported.
The fire was attributed to an unattended gas grill that flared up and set fire to the eaves of the structure.
The South Walton Fire District covers 84 square miles including 52 miles of coastline along the Beaches of South Walton, Florida. Its 85 members provide state of the art fire prevention, fire suppression, and advanced emergency medical services to our citizens and guests. The District performs these services from five stations and one medi-vac helicopter base driven by a passion for identifying and surpassing customer needs.
