Crews Suppress Fla. Wildfire That Threatened Homes
Source Northwest Florida Daily News, Fort Walton Beach
A wildfire that threatened ten homes in Walton County was quelled Sunday evening after four hours of work by firefighters from the Florida Forest Service and the South Walton Fire District.
The fire began at 3:30 pm in a wooded area behind residences between 30-A and Highway 98 in Seacrest. It was focused between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach and reportedly came close to destroying the homes, which are valued at $350,000 each.
"The partnership was invaluable today," said Brian Goddin, public information officer for the Florida Forest Service. "It was real tedious out there. The extra manpower and trucks provided by South Walton were crucial."
Godding pointed to the importance in the distinction between a wildland fire agency and a structure fire agency, like South Walton Fire District. This fire was unique, he said, because it threatened both wilderness and residences, requiring cooperation between the two distinct agencies.
The fire was only estimated at 10 acres but it persistently threatened the houses. Three wildland firefighting tractor-plow units were used to dig into the earth and prevent the fire from spreading. South Walton contributed eight trucks.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Copyright 2012 - Northwest Florida Daily News, Fort Walton Beach
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
