Fire officials suspect a lightning strike started a Saturday afternoon wildfire that temporarily closed a major highway in Walton County.
The fire broke out at about 1:30 p.m. off State Highway 20, five miles east of U.S. Highway 331, between Freeport and Bruce.
The Freeport Fire Department, Walton County Fire-Rescue and Florida Forest Service responded to the blaze, which eventually covered about 35 acres and burned on both sides of the highway.
The fire forced a temporary road closure but both lanes of Highway 20 were later reopened. According to Russell Beaty, Assistant Emergency Management Director, crews will remain on the scene to mop up hot spots. Motorists are urged to use caution when driving through the area because smoke could reduce visibility.
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