Public Safety

Firefighter critically injured after fire engine rolls multiple times in north Okaloosa County

A firefighter was flown to HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital after a fire engine rolled multiple times on County Road 2 near James Peaden Road on Friday.

Jared Williams

A firefighter sustained critical injuries Friday afternoon when a fire engine rolled multiple times while responding to a call in north Okaloosa County.

The accident occurred around 1:55 p.m. on County Road 2 near the intersection of James Peaden Road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The firefighter, a 20-year-old man from Baker, was the sole occupant of the fire engine, which was traveling eastbound when it rolled. He was airlifted by Lifeflight to HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital..

“Please join us in praying for the firefighter and his recovery,” the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Friday.

The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department said Saturday that the injured firefighter is one of their own who also volunteers with Blackman Fire District. The apparatus was responding to a call in the Blackman community when the crash occurred.

“Fortunately, we have heard positive improvements on his condition throughout the evening hours yesterday,” the department said in a social media post. “We ask that everyone please say a prayer for him and keep him in your thoughts.”

The Blackman Fire Chief responded to the scene. Highway 2 was closed following the crash, with traffic diverted through James Peaden Road.

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