HOLT, Fla., Nov. 13, 2026—Holt Fire District posted a justifiable admonition to the public in general after last night’s vehicle fire on Interstate 10. A passing driver, attempting to video the incident, nearly veered into the lane where our firefighters were working the blaze.
During the fire, traffic was at a standstill on I-10 for about 30 minutes before the inside lane opened up to ease the traffic stoppage. For the most part, drivers exercised caution while moving past the fire. However, one person decided to video the incident, taking his eyes off the road during a congested highway emergency, and started to drift into the closed lane.
Thankfully, no one was hurt.
Responding to interstate traffic emergencies is dangerous for everyone involved—Holt Fire District, Florida Highway Patrol, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Department, Okaloosa County EMS. First responders are there when we need them during our most tragic, scary, stressful and emotional times.
As we in Holt all know, Interstate 10 is dangerous enough, especially around here for some reason, without adding the use of a cell phone, either texting or videoing. It’s everyone’s responsibility to exercise caution when approaching an incident like the one last night. It’s not your responsibility to video the emergency for social media. Antics like that cause secondary accidents during an already dangerous situation.
And while we’re discussing safety, let’s talk about moving out of the way when Holt Fire—or any emergency vehicle—is responding to a call with lights and sirens. Besides being courteous and conscientious, moving over is the law.
Not too long ago, I sat at the traffic light at Highway 90 and Ferdon Boulevard and watched no less than four vehicles go through the light as an ambulance—with lights and siren—sat there waiting for a chance to make a left-hand turn toward the hospital. This was an emergency for someone’s wife, husband, son, daughter, friend, co-worker, etc. Yet it was more important for those drivers to rush the light than it was for the ambulance to get to the hospital. Nobody’s schedule is more important than the person lying in the ambulance.
Florida shouldn’t have to have a law for this, but it does, the Florida Move Over Law. It requires drivers to move over a lane, if possible, anytime they encounter stopped law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, utility service vehicle, tow truck, maintenance or construction vehicle on the side of the road with flashing warning lights displayed. The law now also includes moving over for disabled vehicles.
If moving over isn’t an option, or on a two-lane road like most of the roads are in our area, then you’re required—by law—to slow down to a speed at least 20 mph less than the speed limit.
The men and women of Holt Fire District voluntarily put their lives on the line to save ours on a daily basis. They deserve the respect of everyone, not just Holt residents, but everyone who travels through our area on U.S. Highway 90 and Interstate 10.
Public safety is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s work together to help keep everyone safe.
Stephanie Holcombe, Holt Fire District commissioner
