The Bonifay news page is now listed by the current year. Every news release before January 1st 2010 can be found in the news archieves of 2009. This will help with the page load times.

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

Arson and Attempted Murder Structure Fire

At approximately 2:00 am on August 5th, 2010 a report of a structure fire was received by the Holmes County Dispatch. Units from all branches including Bonifay Fire, Bonifay Police, Holmes County Sheriff, and holmes County EMS responded to the residence located on Neal Lane. An adult and two juvenile occupants managed to get out of the structure prior to the arrival of first responders. A fourth was unaccounted for and feared to have been overcome by smoke and/or fire. A dilligent search of the heavily damaged structure by firemen turned up nothing. Additional resources were contacted including a reverse phone tree and Holmes Correctional K-9 tracking team. A few hours later, the missing juvenile turned himself in at the Holmes County jail. Further interviews and investigation has led to felony charges against Timothy Kaylan Sellers, 13 years-old, of Bonifay. At this time Sellers is facing three counts of attempted second degree murder, arson of an occupied structure, and petit theft. Sellers has been refered to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and is awaiting first appearance in juvenile court. The Bonifay Police Department, Florida State Fire Marshal and 14th Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office are participating in the investigation.

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

Watercraft Rescue

On Tuesday, July 13, 2010, at 8:05pm, Bonifay Fire-Rescue was dispatched to Pate Pond as requested by Washington County Sheriff's Office. WCSO requested Bonifay Fire-Rescue's Watercraft 1, a 16' rescue boat. At 8:10pm, Bonifay Fire-Rescue's Watercraft 1 and Attack 1 were en route with 6 personnel. Bonifay Fire-Rescue arrived at Pate Pond at 8:21pm and launched Watercraft 1 at the public boat landing. On board the boat were 2 Bonifay Firefighters, 1 Bonifay Firefighter/EMT, and 1 Washington County EMS Paramedic Supervisor. Watercraft 1 set out in search of a white male who witnesses say capsized his boat just before dark. Witnesses and emergency responders lost visual contact with the male as night fell. Approximately 5 minutes later, Watercraft 1 advised dispatch they had a visual on a white male sitting in his boat waving his paddle. The male came aboard Watercraft 1 and his boat was towed in. The male stated his boat capsized as he attempted a sharp turn. He managed to get the boat turned back over but the boat would not start and was full of water. Once back at the landing, the scene was turned over to a FWC Officer on scene.

Friday, July 3rd, 2010

House Fire

On Friday, July 3, 2010, Holmes County Communications Center recieved a 911 call in reference to a structure fire on Tup McWaters Ln off of Flowing Well Road. Bonifay Fire-Rescue and Holmes County EMS was notified at 9:40pm. Within the next few minutes, Pumper 1, Tanker 1, and Attack 1 responded as well as HCEMS Rescue 1. Fire 121 arrived on scene and advised all responding units of a fully involved single wide mobile home with an adjacent mobile home within 50 feet. All occupants had made it out safely. The home was a total loss. Red Cross was on scene providing assistance to the occupants. Gritney Fire Department responded with Engine 13 and provided water supply. The fire was extinguished and all units returned to Station 1 about 11:30pm.

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

Vehicle Accident

On Thursday, June 17, 2010, Bonifay Fire-Rescue responded to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Highway 79 and Brock Ave. Chief 1, Asst. Chief 102, and Squad 1 responded. Chief 1 advised there were no injuries but did have road blockage. Squad 1 remained on scene until the wrecker company removed the vehicles.

Friday, June 4th, 2010

Vehicle Fire

On Friday, June 4, 2010, in the 11:00pm hour, Bonifay Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a report of a vehicle fire on Highway 79 north of Bonifay. Fire 103 responded directly to the scene to attempt to locate while 104, 106, 118, 120, & 122 responded to the fire station. Engine #1 and Attack #1 responded 4 minutes after the initial call. Fire 103 located a Chevrolet Lumina with a fully involved engine compartment on Highway 79 just south of Highway 177. While Engine #1 and Attack #1 were responding, Fire 103 advised the fire had spread to the interior and all occupants were out of the vehicle. Both apparatus arrived and attacked the fire with (2) 1-1/2" preconnect lines with all firefighters wearing SCBA. Dispatch was notified the fire was extinguished 6 minutes after arrival. Both units remained on scene for traffic control and standby for the wrecker company. Florida Highway Patrol was on scene assisting with crowd and traffic control.

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Vehicle Accident

On Tuesday, May 18, 2010, Bonifay Fire-Rescue responded to a report of a vehicle vs tree on highway 79 approx. 4 miles north of Bonifay. Chief 1 arrived first finding the accident actually occured on his property. The driver of the Ford crossover style vehicle veered from hwy 79 while traveling northbound, hit the south-end culvert of Chief 1's driveway causing the vehicle to be airborne until it made an abrupt stop with an oak tree several feet from ground level. Holmes County EMS treated and transported the driver to a local hospital.

Friday, May 14th, 2010

Vehicle Accident

On Friday, May 14, 2010, Bonifay Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Highway 79 and Son-In-Law Road in the northbound lane. Asst. Chief 102 arrived first and advised Attack 1 would be sufficient apparatus. Attack 1 arrived to find a Ford passenger van had collided with a Nissan Titan pick-up truck in what appeared to be a rear-end type accident. Initially no one was injured but before emergency units could clear the scene, Holmes Co. EMS was dispatched for one occupant complaining of chest pain. Bonifay Fire-Rescue cleared the highway of vehicle debris and transmission fluid. Bonifay Police Department investigated the crash.

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

Vehicle Accident

On Wednesday, May 12, 2010, Bonifay Fire-Rescue responded to the intersection of Highway 90 and Depot Street for a motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles. Once on scene, Captain 104 advised there was road blockage on Depot Street south of Highway 90. Both drivers involved refused EMS transport. Bonifay Police Department was on scene investigating the crash.

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

I-10 traffic crashes claim 2 lives in 3 days

On Tuesday, May 4, 2010, near 7am, Bonifay Fire-Rescue was dispatched to I-10 at the 94mm for a traffic crash. Squad 1 and 4 personnel responded for the request of extrication. While en route, someone on scene advised dispatch that the driver of the vehicle vs a tree was partially ejected and showed no signs of life. Holmes County EMS arrived shortly after and pronounced the driver dead on arrival. Squad 1 continued response, staged for Florida Highway Patrol's Traffic Homicide Investigator. Once FHP cleared the scene, Bonifay Fire-Rescue extricated the body from the vehicle.

On Thursday, May 6, 2010, just before 5pm, Bonifay Fire-Rescue was dispatched to I-10 at the 109mm for a traffic crash. Captain 104 responded directly from home for an initial assessment while Squad 1 and Attack 1 responded from Station 1. 104 arrived and advised dispatch of one vehicle vs a tree in the median and advised of heavy entrapment. Squad 1 arrived two minutes later and began the extrication process while Holmes Co. EMS tended to the patient. After a four minute extrication, Holmes County was able to assess the patient and pronounced the single occupant dead on scene.

Sunday, April 25th, 2010

Vehicle Accident

On Sunday, April 25, 2010, Bonifay Fire-Rescue was alerted to respond to a motor vehicle crash on I-10, westbound, near the 110 mile marker near 7am. While en route, Holmes Co. Sheriff's Deputy arrived and advised possible life-threatening injuries. One occupant still in the vehicle. Bonifay Fire-Rescue arrived on scene with Squad 1 and Attack 1 and established C-Spine immobilization on the patient, applied a C-collar to the patient, and began the extrication process. Dispatch was notified to launch AirHeart Air Ambulance. AirHeart could not respond due to weather conditions. MAST helicopter was contacted in Ft. Rucker and accepted the mission. The patient was treated by Holmes County EMS and transported to the Landing Zone at the Holmes Co. Ag. Center. The patient was flown to a hospital in Pensacola.

Sunday, April 18th, 2010

Vehicle Accident

On Sunday, April 18, 2010, Bonifay Fire-Rescue responded as mutual aid for extrication to a motor vehicle crash on Highway 90 west of Westville. Dispatch confirmed entrapment according to witnesses on scene. Asst. Chief 102 was about 4 miles from the crash location at the time of call and responded direct. Upon his arrival, he found what appeared to be a 2-door Saturn upside down after hitting at least three large trees. The driver was entrapped upside down but awake and alert. Bonifay Fire-Rescue Squad 1 arrived and assisted the extrication process that had been started by Westville Fire Dept and Holmes Co. EMS. The driver was extricated and turned over to Holmes Co. EMS Rescue 2 with what Paramedics described as life-threatening injuries. Once treated by EMS, the patient was flown to a local hospital by AirHeart air ambulance.

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

Vehicle Accident

On Thursday, April 1, 2010, Bonifay Fire-Rescue received a call from a Vernon firefighter who witnessed a traffic crash at Highway 90 West and Banfill Ave. The caller advised a small car had rear-ended a Propane tanker. Bonifay Fire-Rescue and Holmes County EMS arrived to find the Vernon firefighter maintaining cervical spine immobilization on the patient in the small car. The gas truck driver was not injured. Firefighters closed all traffic on highway 90 while assessing the damage to the gas truck. No leak was found. Once EMS applied a C-collar and a KED, Bonifay Fire-Rescue removed the passenger door with the Jaws of Life for easier patient access. Patient was then extricated from the vehicle, treated on scene, and transported to the Holmes Co. Ag. Center landing zone for AirHeart transport to a Panama City hospital.

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Semi-Truck Accident

On Sunday, March 7, 2010, Bonifay Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on I-10 near the 112mm east bound. While en route, dispatch advised the crash involved two tractor trailers. Squad 1 responded with a crew of 5 firefighters along with Fire 1 and 106 responding direct. Upon arrival, there was no road blockage. Holmes County EMS was checking for injuries. One tractor trailer had a blown tire near Exit 112 and had decreased his speed and was rear-ended by another tractor trailer that was east bound. Both vehicles came to a stop about a half mile from the point of impact. Neither one of the drivers were injured. Both trucks were transporting non-hazardous cargo. Bonifay Fire-Rescue was released by the Florida Highway Patrol on scene and returned to the station.

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Structure Fire

On Sunday, March 7, 2010, Holmes County Communications Center received a 911 call at 7:58am reporting a structure fire on Old Liberty School Road approximately five miles from Bonifay. At 8:02am, Bonifay Fire-Rescue's Engine 1, Pumper 1 and Tanker 1 responded with 9 firefighters. Pumper 1 arrived on scene at 8:08am to find a single story brick residential structure, approximately 1700 square feet, fully involved. Upon arrival, Fire 1 advised all units that all occupants were out of the house and accounted for. An aggressive exterior attack began with two 1-1/2" handlines near the front of the structure. Esto Fire Department was also on scene later for water support. Once the fire was contained, overhaul began at 8:45am. The home was a total loss and a representive from the Holmes County Firefighter Assoc. Chaplain Corps. was on scene making arrangements for the family with Red Cross. Bonifay Fire-Rescue had a total of 14 firefighters on scene and used approximately 5,000 gallons of water to extinguish the home completely. Holmes County EMS and Holmes County Sheriff's Office were on scene as well. All Station 1 units were released from the scene by Fire 1 at 10:09am. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the State Fire Marshal's Office.

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

Structure Fire

On Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at 2:26am, Bonifay Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a structure fire at 1735 Highway 173 N. Engine 1 with 5 personnel, Pumper 1 with 2 personnel, and Tanker 1 with 2 personnel were en route at 2:29am. While en route dispatch advised the structure was a barn. Esto Fire Department was requested to respond for water supply. Engine 1 was the first unit to arrive at 2:38am to find a metal storage building approx. 20' x 20' fully involved. Esto Fire Dept. was cancelled after the initial scene size-up. Crews attacked the fire with a 1-1/2 inch line. Approximately 4,000 gallons was used to extinguish the building and its contents. All Station 1 units were clear the scene and en route to the station at 4:48am.

Monday, March 1st, 2010

Structure Fire

On Monday, March 1, 2010, Bonifay Fire-Rescue responded as mutual aid for Esto Fire Department on a structure fire on Highway 177. The 911 caller advised the house fully involved. Captain 104 responded direct for an assessment along with Pumper 1 and Tanker 1. Upon 104's arrival, he found a single wide mobile home with fire showing in the front door area and smoke coming from all windows and the gable vents. Pumper 1 arrived next, parked in the rear of the home and three firefighters with SCBA and a 1-1/2" attack line made a rear door interior attack and a primary search. No one was found inside on the primary search and the interior flames were knocked down quickly. The extinguishing operation focus then turned to the attic since interior operations advised the ceiling was tin but the outside roof covering was shingles. The mobile home had two seperate roof coverings. The fire had spread to concealed space between the two roofs. Within minutes of the attic attack from the gable vents, the fire was out. Esto Fire Department at that point was Incident Command and notified the State Fire Marshal's Office for an investigation into the cause.

Monday, March 1st, 2010

Structure Fire

On Monday, March 1, 2010, Holmes County Communications Center received a 911 call from 2235 Highway 177A reporting smoke in the residence. Bonifay Fire-Rescue was dispatched at 6:38am. Engine 1 and Pumper 1 responded with 4 personnel as well as Asst. Chief 102 responding direct for an assessment at 6:43am. When Asst. Chief 102 arrived he found a single story wood frame home with smoke in the shower/laundry room area. The tenant of the home stated there was a small electric fan under the house. Engine 1 and Pumper 1 arrived at 6:48am. With no access to the under side of the house from the outside, two small floor boards were removed near the shower at the warmest point on the wooden floor. That's where firefighters found the small electric fan that had an electical short and caught on fire. The fan was placed there to circulate the air under the house. The fire was extinguished with a water type extinguisher before any damage could be done to the foundation of the home. Also the home was ventilated with a positive pressure fan to clear the smoke. All Station 1 units were back in service at 7:12am.

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

Structure Fire

On Wednesday February 24 at 7:12PM, the Holmes County Communications Center received a 911 call from a residence on North Highway 79, just north of Hoovers Mill Road. The caller stated her kitchen was on fire. Dispatchers immediately alerted Bonifay Fire-Rescue, who responded with two engine crews and a water tanker. The first engine crew arrived on scene at 7:20PM and confirmed there was a working fire in the kitchen. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire with a dry-chemical extinguisher. The second engine crew arrived and cleared smoke from the home with a ventilation fan. After a brief investigation by fire officers on scene, it was determined that the fire was accidental and was caused by hot cooking oil in a frying pan left unattended on the stovetop for a few minutes. The fire was contained to the stove area, and caused a very minimal amount of damage to the interior wall behind the stove. The occupants of the home were present during the incident, but were unharmed by the fire.

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

Building Smoke

On Sunday February 21, the Holmes County Communications Center received an emergency call from the McDonald’s restaurant in Bonifay. The caller stated there was smoke in the kitchen area. Bonifay Fire-Rescue was dispatched at 10:49AM. Two engine crews responded to the scene. The first engine arrived at 10:53AM and quickly deployed a team of firefighters to the roof. The second engine crew arrived and performed a quick interior search of the building. Crews were able to quickly locate the source of the smoke; a defective fluorescent light ballast. The ballast had overheated, sending smoke overhead into the ceiling space and through the HVAC system. The overheated ballast was disconnected by firefighters. There was no damage to the building. Business operations were quickly resumed once firefighters cleared the building.

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Vehicle Accident

On Wednesday, February 17, 2010, A 48-year-old Bonifay woman was killed in a wreck on Wednesday in the westbound lane of Interstate-10, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol.
FHP reports the red Hyundai was driving west at about 1:15 p.m. when for unknown reasons she drifted from the outside lane and hit the north shoulder of the interstate. The vehicle then plunged down the embankment and struck several trees. She was pronounced dead at the scene by Holmes County EMS. Bonifay Fire-Rescue handled the extrication process after FHP cleared them to do so.
The victim was driving a 2001 red Hyundai and was not wearing a seatbelt according to FHP.

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

Structure Fire

On Saturday, February 13, 2010, The Holmes County Central Communications Office received an emergency call from 603 West Kansas Avenue in Bonifay at 1:30AM on February 13th. The caller stated there was smoke in the house. Bonifay Fire-Rescue was dispatched and responded with two engine companies. The first fire crew arrived at 1:37AM and reported visible smoke in the attic. Firefighters deployed an extension ladder, made rapid entry into the attic space through an exterior gable vent and located a burned electrical wire which had ignited the ceiling insulation. The fire was extinguished using a 1 ½” attack line. The second fire crew arrived and established ventilation through the structure and checked for extension of the fire into the living space of the structure. The fire was contained to its point of origin in the attic, resulting in a very minimal amount of damage to the home. Gulf Power arrived and disconnected the meter box as a safety precaution.

Officer Carver with the Bonifay Police Department was on scene and assisted fire personnel. Holmes County EMS was also on scene for medical stand-by.

After a thorough check of the structure, all units departed the scene at 3:20AM.

Monday, February 8th, 2010

Structure Fire

On Monday, February 8, 2010, Bonifay Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a possible structure fire on Hamlin Street in Bonifay. The 911 caller advised she and her child had evacuated the residence when they smelled smoke. Captain 104 arrived one minute later to find a single wide mobile home with light smoke showing and strong electrical burn odor. The main breaker was shut down immediately. The central HVAC unit was located. There was an electrical short that was burning mostly plastic. The residents were advised to leave the main power breaker off until the landlord could have an electrician repair the unit. Pumper 1 and Tanker 1 were both on scene.

House Fire

On Thursday Feb. 4, 2010, Bonifay Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a kitchen fire in a residence on west highway 90. The call was received at 2:00pm. Bonifay Police arrived and advised smoke showing on the second story. Bonifay Fire Engine 1 called en route at 2:02pm. Engine 1 arrived at 2:05pm to find an active fire on the stove advancing up the wall into the ceiling. Firefighters made entry with a 1-1/2 inch attack line and extinguished the fire. A ventilation fan was then used to clear the home of smoke. The kitchen was the only room damaged by the fire and it was extinguished before it could advance to the attic or any other room. Holmes County EMS was also on scene. The home owner provided a clear explanation on how the fire started, therefore the State Fire Marshal's office was not notified. All Station 1 units returned to service at 2:45pm.

Trafic Accident

On Tuesday, February 2, 2010, Bonifay Fire-Rescue was dispatched along with Holmes County EMS to a motor vehicle crash on Hwy 79 South about 1 mile south of Hwy 280. The 911 caller advised a truck had struck a tree and overturned in the woods. The first Bonifay Fire-Rescue unit arrived to find a small late model Chevy pick-up on its side in the woods. The truck was unoccupied and the driver was sitting on the ground near the wreckage. The driver was wearing his seat belt and climbed out of the truck on his own. Aid was rendered until Holmes Co. EMS arrived. The patient was taken to Doctor's Memorial Hospital and from there was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola with serious injuries. Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.

Trafic Accident

On Tuesday, January 26, 2010, Bonifay Fire-Rescue along with HCSO deputies and Holmes County EMS was dispatched to a motor vehicle crash with serious injuries and entrapment on Hwy 177A near the Dogwood Lakes entrance. Emergency responders arrived to find a late model Nissan Altima in the woods occupied twice. The car had lost control and went thru a wooden fence, hit some small trees and struck a large oak tree with the rear bumper causing major passenger compartment intrusion. Bonifay Fire-Rescue cut the roof from the wreckage and extricated the patients while Holmes County EMS personnel treated the wreck victims. One of the wreck victims was air lifted to a local hospital and one victim was called deceased on scene by EMS personnel. Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating the crash.

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

New Members of the Bonifay Fire Department

Bonifay Fire-Rescue welcomes two new firefighters.....

On Thursday, January 21, 2010, Bonifay Fire-Rescue had its first monthly meeting of 2010. Chief McCormick brought to this meeting two firefighters who had applied in December to become members of Bonifay Fire-Rescue. Lee Moss, a certified Firefighter I and Nicholas Taylor, a certified Firefighter II/EMT were brought before the current members and were both voted in unanimously.

This year will consist of many hours of training for Bonifay Fire-Rescue. For the past five years Bonifay Fire-Rescue has strived to be one of the most certified departments in this area. The 20 member roster includes 10 certified Firefighter I's, 2 certified Firefighter II's, 1 Paramedic, 2 Emergency Medical Technicians, & 3 firefighters who have recently completed EMT school and are waiting for a state board exam testing date. Bonifay Fire-Rescue will be training in-house monthly this year.

Monday, January 18th, 2010

Animal in Distress

On Monday, January 18, 2010, Bonifay Fire-Rescue received a walk-up complaint from a concerned citizen advising there was a white cat on the roof of a pavillion at Veteran's Park. The complainant advised the cat would not come down and she was concerned for its well being. Two firefighters from Bonifay Fire-Rescue and Engine #1 responded in a non-urgent manner to the scene. Once a scene size-up was complete, they found an average sized cat, white in color, on the roof. This cat appeared to be a house cat but all safety precautions were prepared in case it was not. At that time a roof ladder was deployed. The instant the ladder touched the tin roof, the startled cat became aware of the situation and left the roof immediately.

Structure Fire and Trafic Accident

On Sunday, January 10, 2010, Bonifay Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a structure fire on Tobe Retherford Rd as mutual aid for Gritney Fire Department. Upon arrival, Attack 1, Pumper 1, and Tanker 1 with 6 firefighters assisted Gritney Fire who was already on scene fighting the fire with 4 personnel and Engine 13. Pittman and Caryville Fire Department also responded with water support. Esto Fire Department was en route but was downgraded to a district standby when the Incident Commander advised all on scene units could handle. The home was unoccupied at the time of call but unfortunately was a total loss.

Shortly after Attack 1 cleared from the structure fire, Bonifay Fire-Rescue and Holmes County EMS were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on I-10 near the 100 mile marker east bound. Bonifay Fire-Rescue Attack 1 and Squad 1 responded and arrived to find a late model Corvette near the woodline at the 100 mile marker. The driver was the only occupant and was not injured.

Trafic Accident

On Saturday, January 9, 2010, Bonifay Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on I-10 near the 115 mile marker. While en route, dispatch advised a report from on scene stated there was entrapment. Fire 112 arrived soon after and advised there was a van vs. the rear of a tractor trailer with major extrication required. The accident location was east bound near the 116 mile marker just inside Washington County. Squad 1 and Attack 1 arrived and began the extrication process. Unfortunately the driver was pronounced deceased on scene by EMS personnel shortly after the extrication process began. The extrication process was postponed until Florida Highway Patrol completed their on-scene investigation. Attack 1 remained on scene until the wrecker service could pull the two vehicles apart in case of a fire. The accident is still under investigation by Florida Highway Patrol.