Brush fire burns almost 35 acres near Laurel Hill

A brush fire burned approximately 35 acres at the intersection of Steele Mill Creek Road and Millside Road near Laurel Hill on Wednesday afternoon. The cause of the blaze, which also destroyed about 54 large bales of hay, is still under investigation, according Almarante Volunteer Fire Chief David Henderson.

The fire had already engulfed about four acres when the Almarante Volunteer Fire Department responded to the blaze at 2:12 pm. Heavy wind gusts quickly spread the flames across the hay field and into a nearby wooded area. Mutual aid was provided by the Laurel Hill and Dorcas Volunteer Fire Departments, North Okaloosa Fire District and the Division of Forestry.