As crews across the state continue to battle the 52 active wildfires spanning over 7,000 acres, the public is urged to avoid burning any yard debris and refrain from other outdoor fire activities, says Okaloosa County Public Information Officer Christopher Saul.

Those activities can include but are not limited to barbecues, fireworks, bonfires, etc.

“In light of the destructive wildfire activity across the Florida Panhandle, and because current weather conditions continue to support the rapid growth and spread of fire, I am asking all City residents to please refrain from any outdoor burning,” said Fort Walton Beach Fire Chief Ken Perkins. “Even a small ember can quickly grow into an inferno, placing lives, homes and businesses in jeopardy.”

Local firefighters and first responders are stretched thin and have been working continuously over the past several days to control these major wildfires.

“Your Fort Walton Beach firefighters have responded to Santa Rosa County and are currently in Walton County assisting other departments with major fires,” Perkins continued. “During this time, please do your part to keep your community safe. Fires that never start can’t destroy lives and property.”

“Due to the elevated fire threat, I am urging the public to avoid yard debris burning,” said Erin Albury, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “We are in the peak of our year-round fire activity, and these weather conditions will only add to the existing fire danger.”

Locally across the Panhandle, here is where we currently are:

Okaloosa County has 1 small fire in the North end which has been active for a couple of days and is fully contained.

Escambia County has four fires currently – The largest is the Hurst Hammock Fire on the west side of the county by the Alabama Line which grew to 335 acres overnight. The other three are 1-3 acre fires and all are contained.

Santa Rosa County has three fires. One 1 acre fire is contained, the Acey Lowery Road Fire is now at 70 acres and the 5 Mile Swamp fire is at 2,000 acres.

Walton County has five fires. First is the Road 8 Fire, west of Deer Lake State Park, and is 139 acres and contained.

There are three fires clustered North of 98 near Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.

• First is East Hewitt Road South Fire – 2 acres and contained.
• Second is East Hewitt Road North – 2 acres and contained.
• Third is East Hewitt Road East – 2 acres and contained.

Finally Mussett Bayou – 575 acres in South Walton. All movement is generally South and East. Smoke plumes on the weather radar confirm the general direction and movement of the smoke on 5-10 mph winds currently.

“I encourage all Floridians to be aware of the fire danger, exercise caution, follow directives from state and local officials, and help protect our fellow residents, homes, natural resources, and our wildland firefighters during this elevated fire threat,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried.