DeFuniak Springs FL- On the afternoon of Thursday July 14th 2022 at 05:12pm (1712 hours) a passing Battalion Chief with Walton County Fire-Rescue called in a report of light smoke in the area of Highway 90 & 6th Street in the heart of the downtown area of the City of DeFuniak Springs. Walton dispatch immediately struck an alarm for the Cities Fire Department along with a cadre of mutual aid from surrounding departments to respond to the area. Light smoke was seen coming from the roofline of a 2 story commercial structure located the law offices of Clayton Adkinson. Upon arrival, crews advised that their was in fact smoking coming from the roof eve line on the front and sides of the structure, and crews would begin an offensive fire attack on the structure. Fire lines were deployed, and crews made entry to the second story of the building, and upon further investigation, came in contact with heavy smoke and fire conditions in the attic space of the structure. An aggressive interior attack was employed, and damage was limited to smoke and water throughout the office space. The fire damage was limited to its point of origin upon arrival of first arriving companies. The cause of the fire is believed to be from heavy thunder and lightning storms passing through area in the late afternoon, however an official investigation is being conducted by the Florida State Fire Marshalls office and a conclusion as to the cause is pending their official investigation. No civilians or Firemen were injured in todays efforts. A damage estimate is forthcoming. An excellent job was done by all to limit and confine damage to the building of origin, and the efforts portrayed today represent our Fire Departments ever present efforts to protect its community no matter the call.

The City of DeFuniak Springs would like to thank all responding agencies assisting in todays efforts including but not limited to...
Walton County Emergency Management
Office of the City Marshal, DeFuniak Springs Police
Walton County Fire Rescue, Florida
Liberty Volunteer Fire Department
Argyle Volunteer Fire Department
Walton County Sheriff's Office, Florida