Lightning strike sparks fire at Adkinson Law Firm in DeFuniak Springs; part of Hwy. 90 closes

DeFUNIAK SPRINGS — A portion of U.S. Highway 90 was shut down Thursday afternoon while firefighters battled a blaze at the Adkinson Law Firm.

A passing battalion chief with Walton County Fire Rescue called in a report of light smoke at 4:11 p.m. in the area of U.S. 90 and Sixth Street in downtown DeFuniak Springs, according to a DeFuniak Springs Fire Department news release.

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Multiple agencies, including DeFuniak Springs Fire Department, WCFR, the Liberty Volunteer Fire Department and the Argyle Volunteer Fire Department responded. Crews spotted smoke coming from the roof, front and sides of the two-story building.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office and DeFuniak Springs Police Department shut down U.S. 90 between Sixth and Fifth streets. People also were asked to avoid the area while first responders were at the scene.

Firefighters used ladders to enter the second story and found heavy smoke and flames in the attic. They were able to limit the damage to smoke and water throughout the office space, according to the DSFD.

No injuries were reported. The damage cost was still being estimated Friday.

“An excellent job was done by all to limit and confine damage to the building of origin, and the efforts portrayed today represent our Fire Department’s ever-present efforts to protect its community no matter the call,” the release said.

The cause of the fire is believed to be from heavy thunder and lightning passing through the area late Thursday afternoon, the DSFD reported. The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating and an official cause is pending.

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: DeFuniak Springs law firm catches fire after lightning strike