Firefighters with the South Walton Fire District responded to a two-alarm commercial structure fire at Goatfeathers Seafood Market on the morning of Aug. 12.

The incident began at approximately 10:40 a.m. when South Walton Fire District dispatchers received a 911 call reporting smoke and flames coming from the roof of the building.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions and limited visibility on the second floor. Crews began fire suppression operations after confirming that everyone inside the building, including restaurant employees, had been safely evacuated.

As conditions deteriorated, firefighters determined that portions of the second floor and roof had become unstable, creating a potential collapse hazard. The incident commander ordered crews to transition to defensive operations, allowing firefighters to continue battling the blaze from safer positions outside the structure.

A second alarm was requested, bringing additional personnel and resources to the scene.

Firefighters remained at the property for several hours, locating and extinguishing hotspots throughout the roofline and other areas of the building. A crew remained on scene Wednesday night to monitor the property for possible flare-ups.

No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported.

County Highway 30A at Gulfview Heights was temporarily closed in both directions during firefighting operations because of the location of the nearest available fire hydrant. Motorists and pedestrians were advised to use alternate routes until emergency crews cleared the area.

South Walton Fire District investigators worked alongside the State Fire Marshal's Office to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Preliminary findings indicated that the fire was likely accidental and originated in the kitchen area. The business sustained significant damage.

Deputies with the Walton County Sheriff's Office and mutual-aid fire departments assisted at the scene, while additional crews helped maintain emergency coverage throughout South Walton during the incident.