For some of our firefighters, serving their community isn't where their commitment to service began.
This Veterans Day, Walton County Fire Rescue proudly honors the men and women who have served our country, including those who continue to serve right here in our department.
To all veterans, thank you for your courage, thank you for your sacrifice, and above all, thank you for your selflessness.
WCFR FIREFIGHTERS QUICKLY EXTINQUISH CAMPER FIRE IN EUCHEEANNA VALLEY
Walton County Fire Rescue crews responded to a camper fire this morning in the Eucheeanna Valley community, where a woman and her three dogs escaped safely.
At 10:35 AM on Tuesday, November 11, 2026, Walton County Fire Rescue firefighters were dispatched to Gilreath Lane following reports of a camper fire. Engine 8 arrived on scene just three minutes later to find the camper fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters immediately went to work extinguishing the blaze, knocking down the flames in approximately ten minutes.
Fortunately, the camper's resident and her three dogs made it out safely.
The cause of the fire was determined to be candles burning inside the camper.
Although the resident and her dogs escaped without injury, the fire left her displaced from her home. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist her and her pets.
Walton County Fire Rescue reminds residents to never leave burning candles unattended and to keep them away from anything flammable.
@WMBBTV@WJHG_TV@weartv@nwfdailynews@WZEPAM1460
There's more to being a firefighter than fighting fires.
One of our own also serves on the @WCSOFL SWAT team, bringing his technical expertise to another side of public safety.
A local artist recently created this piece for him, and we thought it was too good not to share.
A pretty incredible tribute to someone who serves our community in more ways than one.
TRAFFIC CRASH BLOCKING STATE ROAD 83 AND COUNTY ROAD 185 IN DEFUNIAK SPRINGS
A multi-vehicle crash is currently blocking the intersection of State Road 83 and County Road 183.
Northbound traffic is being diverted down County Road 183. Southbound traffic is stopped.
@WCSOFL & @WCFRFL are on scene.
Drivers are asked to use extreme caution in the area and expect delays.
WCFR ON SCENE OF CAMPER FIRE IN DEFUNIAK SPRINGS
Walton County Fire Rescue crews remain on scene after extinguishing an early morning camper fire that threatened a nearby home.
At 4:38 a.m., WCFR responded to a residence on S Pleasant Drive after a 911 caller reported a camper on fire.
Firefighters arrived moments later to find the camper engulfed in flames.
Crews quickly knocked down the fire, preventing it from spreading to the nearby home. No injuries or damage to the home were reported.
The fire is out. The cause is unknown at this time.
A big congratulations to Firefighter-EMT Aiden Vela on being named @WCSOFL's Fire Rescue Employee of the 4th Quarter for 2025!
Aiden is the kind of firefighter every crew appreciates having around. He shows up ready to work, keeps a positive attitude, and is always willing to lend a hand, whether it's around the station or on a call.
He's also put in the work to keep growing in his career, completing Pump Operations, Aerial Operations, and Rope Rescue Operations courses over the past year. He also doesn't hesitate to share what he's learned with newer firefighters.
Aiden, your hard work and dedication to your crew and the community don't go unnoticed. We're proud to have you on our team!
Congratulations on a well-deserved recognition!
Tristen Martins grew up surrounded by Hispanic culture with a Cuban mother and Brazilian father.
Martins, who was recently promoted to lieutenant with @WCFRFL, said Hispanic Heritage Month honors the hard journey to get here.
Thank you, @WJHG_TV, for sharing his story.
https://t.co/zgUDzxwkl1
This afternoon, we officially welcomed the newest members of Walton County Fire Rescue as they took their oath and were sworn in, surrounded by family and friends.
We're excited to have these gentlemen join the Walton County Fire Rescue family and look forward to seeing all they'll accomplish as they begin this next chapter.
Please join us in congratulating:
• Firefighter Michael Carroll
• Firefighter-EMT Jayden Gilley
• Firefighter-EMT Ethan Latour
• Firefighter Kenyon Simmons
• Firefighter-EMT Quinton Young
We're proud to have you.
Training never stops.
@WCFRFL crews recently completed an aerial operations class, finishing up scenarios at the Walton County Courthouse in DeFuniak Springs.
Using both Tower 2 and Truck 12, firefighters worked through real‑world field tests to strengthen their skills in positioning, ladder operations, and elevated access.
This kind of hands‑on training keeps our firefighters sharp and ready to respond when an emergency calls for an aerial approach.
We're here if you need us.
WELL EARNED. WELL DESERVED.
Walton County Fire Rescue is proud to announce the promotion of Jason Hall to Lieutenant!
Jason’s commitment to service began long before he put on bunker gear. He served five years in the United States Marine Corps, including a combat deployment to Afghanistan, before being honorably discharged.
In 2016, Jason earned his Firefighter and EMT certifications from Chipola College and began his fire service career with Marianna Fire/Rescue. He later continued his career in Massachusetts with the Southbridge Fire Department before returning to Florida and joining WCFR in 2023.
Since joining our ranks, Jason became one of WCFR’s first Engineers and has earned his Florida Pump Operator and Fire Officer I certifications, along with specialized training in rope rescue and vehicle and machinery rescue.
Jason brings a wealth of experience, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to the job that will serve him well in his new leadership role.
Congratulations, Lieutenant Hall! We're proud to have you in our ranks and look forward to seeing you continue to lead and grow with WCFR.
He's spent years answering the call at some of our busiest stations. Now, Firefighter-Paramedic Braeden Cooper is stepping into a new role as Lieutenant, and we're proud to celebrate the work that brought him here.
Braeden started his career in the fire service as a volunteer in Holmes County in 2013. He earned his EMT certification in 2015 and worked part-time with Bay County, Florida Emergency Services before joining Walton County Fire Rescue in June 2017. He earned his paramedic certification in 2020.
He has spent much of his career at WCFR gaining hands-on experience as both a firefighter and a medical responder. As a Field Training Officer, he also helped others build the skills and confidence needed to serve our community.
Braeden holds Fire Officer I and Pump Operations certifications and continues pursuing additional leadership training as he takes on this new role.
Congratulations, Lieutenant Cooper! We're proud of how far you've come and look forward to seeing you lead.
STRUCTURE FIRE ON CORBIN GAINEY ROAD PROMPTS MULTI-AGENCY RESPONSE
WALTON COUNTY, FLA — An early morning structure fire in DeFuniak Springs prompts a multi-agency response.
@WCFRFL responded to a structure fire on Corbin Gainey Road after a 911 call at 2:05 a.m. on Tuesday. All occupants safely escaped the home before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported.
When firefighters reached the scene, the home was already fully involved in fire. There were no fire hydrants in the area, which made it necessary to bring in additional water. Heavy vegetation surrounding the property and a steep hill on the rear side of the home created difficult conditions for crews trying to reach the structure.
Walton County Fire Rescue requested assistance due to the conditions at the scene. Argyle Volunteer Fire District, Liberty Volunteer Fire, DeFuniak Springs Fire Department, and Eglin Fire and Emergency Services all responded to assist.
Crews worked together to contain the fire from the rear and side portions of the home, preventing it from spreading into the woods.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Walton County Fire Rescue is thankful for the support of our mutual aid partners and the assistance they provided.
TRAFFIC CRASH HIGHWAY 20 NEAR BLACK CREEK BOULEVARD IN FREEPORT
A traffic crash is causing delays on Highway 20 in Freeport near Black Creek Boulevard.
@WCSOFL & @WCFRFL are on scene.
We are asking drivers to please use caution in the area and expect delays.
WCFR WORKING ACTIVE STRUCTURE FIRE IN DEFUNIAK SPRINGS
@WCFRFL is working an active house fire on Corbin Gainey Road.
City of DeFuniak Springs Fire Department, Liberty Volunteer Fire District, and Argyle Volunteer Fire District, and Eglin Air Force Base Fire & Emergency Services are providing assistance on scene.
There are no reported injuries at this time.
Please avoid the area as firefighters continue to work on scene.
More information will be released once available.
Hawt dawgs and hoagies.
What are these things we speak of?
Triangle Chevrolet DeFuniak Springs dropped off some tasty (see pic for deets) hot dogs for our crews today, and Hancock Whitney Santa Rosa Beach treated us to some delectable Firehouse subs.
Seriously, this week after Hurricane Isaias has led to some hungry bellies, and we appreciate you all taking care of us!
THANK YOU!
We're here if you need us!
FIREFIGHTERS KNOCK DOWN TWO STRUCTURE FIRES IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS
From a fully engulfed camper in Paxton to a residential fire in Mossy Head, firefighters had a busy night that carried into the morning, knocking down two structure fires in less than 24 hours.
At 10:18 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, Walton County Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to a residence on Wain Huckabee Road in Paxton following a 911 call reporting a camper fire. Firefighters arrived on scene to find the camper fully engulfed in flames and quickly began battling the blaze. Firefighters knocked down the blaze within seven minutes, keeping the flames from spreading to other nearby structures.
Fortunately, the camper's resident was not home when the fire broke out. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was called to investigate the cause of the fire.
By Monday morning, firefighters were answering another call.
At 7:18 a.m., a passing motorist reported what appeared to be a brush fire near Interstate 10. Additional calls identified flames coming from a burning structure on Nowling Road in Mossy Head. Firefighters arrived on scene to find heavy flames coming from a camper and multiple sheds.
The residents were asleep when the fire broke out but managed to escape safely before firefighters arrived. Sadly, a dog was later found deceased inside the residence.
Walton County Fire Rescue and assisting agencies worked diligently to contain the blaze. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was notified, and the American Red Cross was contacted to assist the residents.
No injuries were reported among residents or responding personnel in either incident.
Walton County Fire Rescue would like to thank the City of DeFuniak Springs Fire Department, Liberty Volunteer Fire District, Argyle Fire District, and Eglin Air Force Base Fire & Emergency Services for their assistance. We appreciate you answering the call and working alongside our crews.