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.

If you're thinking about burning hurricane debris (or anything, really) this weekend, don't. Hope this helps.

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.

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.

HURRICANE ISAIAS: HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW There’s a lot of information out there right now, and it can be overwhelming. We’re here to break it down as best we can. Isaias is now a Category 3 hurricane. Here are the key details for Walton County: MANDATORY EVACUATIONS Zones A, B and C are under mandatory evacuation. That includes pretty much all of South Walton and coastal and bayfront areas of Freeport. If you’re in one of these zones, now is the time to leave. Unsure of your zone? Check your address: bit.ly/WCKnowYourZone What does a "mandatory evacuation" mean? Contrary to popular belief (apparently), you will not be forcibly removed from your home. But if you choose to stay, emergency response may be suspended if dangerous conditions make it unsafe for first responders. NEED SOMEWHERE SAFE TO GO? Freeport High School is open as an emergency shelter, including for residents with special needs. Cats and dogs are welcome. Bring your own pillow and bedding, medications, toiletries, clothing, chargers and essential supplies. For your pets, bring a carrier or crate, food, water, bowls and vaccination records. You’ll need to stay with them and provide their care. LET'S TALK BRIDGES The U.S. 331 bridge closes at sustained winds of 40 mph. Conditions can change quickly, with little warning before a closure. If you need to evacuate, go before travel becomes dangerous. No, it is not closed right now. No, we do not know when it will close. BE READY Prepare for damaging winds, storm surge, heavy rain, flooding and possible tornadoes. Charge your devices, secure loose outdoor items and have supplies ready for power outages. Never drive through flooded roads. Keep generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors and windows. KEEP UP WITH LOCAL UPDATES Follow Walton County Emergency Management for the latest evacuation and shelter information. Sign up for local alerts at AlertWalton.org. Check road closures: perimetermap.com/Walton-FL Call 911 for emergencies. Our crews are ready to help. Stay safe out there.

If there's work to be done, Firefighter-EMT Jake Wooley is usually somewhere in the middle of it. Over his seven years at Walton County Fire Rescue, he's put that same energy into learning the job and helping others find their footing. He's served as a Field Training Officer, taught in our new-hire academies, and helped build and develop our firefighter cadet program. Along the way, Jake earned his Fire Officer I, Instructor I, Pump Operator, and Aerial Operations certifications and completed all technical rescue classes through the technician level. He has also represented WCFR on multiple competition teams. Outside of work, you might find him behind a camera or putting in miles for his next marathon. Around here, you'll find him lending a hand and investing time in the people around him, the kind of leadership that makes his promotion to Lieutenant so well deserved. Congratulations, Lieutenant Wooley. Those bugles look sharp on you.

We're used to calling him Tristen. Lieutenant Martins has a nice ring to it, though. Lieutenant Martins joined Walton County Fire Rescue in May 2019 and has spent his time here building his experience as a firefighter-paramedic. Originally from Miami, he also spent time working in South Florida, expanding his skills in the fire service. Along the way, he has earned his Fire Officer I, Pump Operator, and Instructor I certifications, continuing to prepare himself for greater responsibility. For Tristen, this promotion also reflects the lessons learned from the people he's worked beside. He credits those firefighters and paramedics with helping him get here, and he's looking forward to passing that knowledge on while continuing to grow himself. Congratulations, Lieutenant Martins! The bugles were well earned, and we're excited to see you take this next step.

Hot. Strong. Absolutely necessary. We’re talking about the coffee. ☕️ Cheers to National Coffee Day.

Some people earn the respect long before they earn the rank. John is one of those people. Firefighter-EMT John Hood began his fire service career as a volunteer in South Carolina in 2007 before going full-time in 2012. After moving to Florida in the summer of 2024, he joined Walton County Fire Rescue in January 2025, and it didn't take long for the kind of firefighter, leader, and man he is to become evident. In his time with WCFR, John has earned his Fire Officer I and Pump Operator certifications, become an active member of the Technical Rescue Team and Professional Firefighters of Walton County Local 4413, and was named our 2025 Firefighter of the Year. Now, he's adding a new title to that list: Lieutenant. One of Lieutenant Hood's favorite quotes is, "The people who are successful decide they are going to be successful; they make that choice." John has made that choice throughout his career. He has chosen to work hard, lead well, and be the kind of person others can count on. Congratulations, Lieutenant Hood! This promotion was well earned.

Is your child in the right seat? Is it installed correctly? And how do you know when they're ready to move to the next stage? In honor of Car Seat Safety Week, Walton County Fire Rescue's and @WCSOFL's certified car seat technicians are offering FREE car seat checks for parents and caregivers. Stop by and let our technicians make sure your child is in the right seat, check that it's installed correctly, help with proper fit, and answer questions about when it's safe to transition your child to a booster seat. Friday, September 25, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 75 Bo Pete Manor Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435 Next to WCFR Station 4 This event is completely FREE, and no appointment is necessary. Bring your child and/or their car seat, and stop by anytime between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. A few minutes could make a big difference in keeping your smallest passengers safe.