MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. – South Walton Fire District firefighters responded to a commercial structure fire on Wednesday afternoon on Cannery Lane in Baytowne Wharf. The quick work of responding crews ensured the fire did not spread to any businesses connected to the room of origin.

The incident originated at 12:01 p.m. when a 9-1-1 caller informed SWFD dispatchers that smoke was coming from a restroom facility attached to the back of the Baytowne Wharf ice cream shop known as Moo La La.

SWFD Station 5 firefighters arrived first on-scene at 12:09 p.m. to confirm the report of smoke within the bathrooms, then pulled an attack line to extinguish signs of active fire located within an interior utility closet.

At 12:30 p.m., firefighters determined the fire had not extended into the facility’s attic spaces. Crews then overhauled the affected areas before clearing the scene around 1:30 p.m.

No injuries were reported. The SWFD Fire Marshal responded to investigate the incident and determined a water heater within the utility closet could not be ruled out as the most probable cause of the fire.

While the restroom facilities suffered significant damage, the ice cream shop itself was not impacted by the fire and employees were able to return to the business after firefighters mitigated all hazards.

SWFD would like to thank the responding Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies for their assistance during the incident.