HOLT, Fla., March 14, 2022—Black smoke filled the skies over Holt today as area firefighters battled a home fire on Wilkerson Bluff Road.

None of the family of five—three adults, a teenager and an infant—was home at the time of the fire.

The alert went out at 2:30 p.m. Two hours later, the fire was out, but the home was a total loss.

The blaze was so hot inside the home, one firefighter said he felt the heat through the soles of his boots.

Firefighters got the fire under control after battling it for an hour; however, they continued to fight persistent flames inside the roof area for another hour.

Firefighters from four different units responded to the call.

Holt Fire District responded with Engines 32 and 33. Assisting Holt was a Baker Fire District engine and rescue vehicle, a Crestview engine and a Munson Volunteer Fire and Rescue District engine.

Okaloosa County EMS was on hand to assist the firefighters as they battled the blaze.

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office closed Wilkerson Bluff to through traffic while firefighters fought the fire. Traffic was temporarily rerouted through Holt.