Firefighters pull one patient from a burning home overnight in the Villa Tasso community.
Posted on April 7, 2024
At 2:14 a.m., the Walton County Sheriff’s Office communications center received a 911 call reporting a structure fire on Winfield Street. The caller stated there were flames coming from a nearby home, and a man could be heard yelling for help from inside the residence.
WCFR firefighters arrived on scene moments later and confirmed smoke and flames coming from the front of a single-wide mobile home. WCFR crews made entry into the residence and performed a preliminary search. Due to hoarding conditions, firefighters were forced to breach a wall to make entry into the back bedroom where the patient was trapped. Walton County Fire Rescue crews were able to lift the patient out of the bedroom window where Eglin Air Force Base Fire & Emergency Services were waiting to assist in providing aid to the resident of the home.
The patient, disoriented and suffering from smoke inhalation, was immediately transported by Walton County Fire Rescue to a local hospital for further medical attention.
“To say I’m proud of this crew is an understatement,” says Fire Chief Austin Pugh. “Because of their quick action, aggressive tactics, and people-first mentality, a member of our community has been given a chance to live. This is the reason we dedicate countless hours to training. You never know when you will be called to perform at the highest level, but when we are called, we know we’re ready.”
Firefighters were able to quickly knock down the flames consuming part of the mobile home. Unfortunately, a dog was later found deceased inside the home.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown but is believed to have originated on the front porch of the residence. The State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and is investigating the cause of the fire.
