WASHINGTON AND HOLMES COUNTIES, Fla. — Emergency responders in two Florida Panhandle counties are limiting services as deteriorating weather conditions make roads too dangerous for crews to travel safely.
According to the Washington County Fire Department, fire departments and EMS are temporarily pulling crews off the roads. Residents should still call 911 for emergencies, but responders may be unable to reach them until conditions improve.
“Please continue to report all emergency situations by calling 9-1-1. Emergency calls will continue to be received, and responses will be handled as conditions safely allow,” the department stated.
In Holmes County, the Sheriff’s Office has suspended routine services and will respond only to true emergencies when conditions permit. This means nonemergency services are temporarily suspended, while responses to serious emergencies depend on whether crews can safely travel.
“We are suspending routine services at this time. We will respond only to true emergencies as conditions permit. The weather has deteriorated to the point that it is becoming too dangerous for our first responders to be out on the roads,” the sheriff’s office stated.
According to the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, authorities are already dealing with numerous wrecks involving fallen trees blocking roads and trees falling onto vehicles while people are traveling.
“PLEASE, FOLKS, STAY OFF THE ROADS!” the sheriff’s office warned.
Both agencies are urging residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel.
The emergency response limits do not mean residents should stop reporting emergencies. However, help may be delayed or temporarily unavailable if conditions are too dangerous for responders to reach the scene.
The restrictions are intended to protect first responders while allowing emergency services to resume as conditions safely permit.
UPDATE: Bonifay Fire-Rescue Suspends Emergency Operations
BONIFAY, Fla. (WDNews) — Bonifay Fire-Rescue has suspended emergency operations as dangerous weather conditions continue across Holmes County.
According to the department, conditions have become serious enough to issue a direct warning to residents.
“We know the updates are overwhelming. We’ve been careful not to be repetitive,” the department stated.
“But it’s time to listen to us. Stay home. Stay off the roads. Stay safe.”
The announcement follows an earlier warning from the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, which suspended routine services and said deputies would respond only to true emergencies when conditions permit.
The sheriff’s office also reported numerous wrecks involving fallen trees blocking roads and trees falling onto vehicles.
Residents should continue calling 911 to report emergencies, but fire and rescue responses may be unavailable during the suspension.
Bonifay Fire-Rescue did not announce when emergency operations would resume.
