Midway Fire District

10/07/2026

Wednesday 1:00pm update. Our area is under a hurricane watch.

10/07/2026

Generator Safety Reminder from Midway Fire District

As residents prepare for possible storm-related power outages, the Midway Fire District reminds everyone to use portable generators safely.

Always operate generators outdoors, more than 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents. Never run a generator inside a home or garage, even with doors and windows open.

Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that can quickly build up indoors and cause serious illness or death.

Install battery-operated or battery-backup carbon monoxide alarms near every sleeping area. If an alarm sounds or you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get everyone outside immediately and call 911.

Stay prepared. Stay safe.

10/06/2026

It wouldn’t be Fire Prevention Week without a visit from the Midway Fire District to East Bay K-8 School!

Crews from Engine 37 and Truck 36 met with kindergarten classes to talk about fire safety. Students also got a close-up look at the apparatus and had the opportunity to walk through the cabs. Firefighter Neil Bethell donned his turnout gear to show the children what firefighters wear when responding to fires.

The district encourages families to discuss fire safety with their children: have a home escape plan, know two ways out, and choose a safe meeting place outside.

10/05/2026

“You can’t train firefighters for tough environments if you don’t train them in tough environments.”
Fire Chief Mike Lombardo
Fire Department Training Network

Midway routinely sends firefighters to the Fire Department Training Network in Indianapolis for real world, tough live fire training, under real world conditions. It’s tough mentally and physically but it prepares our firefighters to be the very best on other’s worst days.

The Fire Chief and Deputy Chief of Operations are attending this week commanding more than 60 working fires. As the FDTN motto goes, “Training saves lives”.
Fire Department Training Network

10/05/2026

During Fire Prevention Week, October 4–10, 2026, Midway Fire District is highlighting this year’s theme: “Charge into Fire Safety.”

This video shows the dangers of lithium-ion batteries exposed to salt water. Although the battery wasn’t charging, it sparked a potentially deadly fire, a reminder that battery hazards extend beyond charging.

With our district prone to storms and flooding, this message hits close to home. We’re sharing this video to raise awareness and encourage residents to take lithium-ion battery safety seriously.

Stay aware. Stay prepared. Help keep our community fire safe.

Training & Consulting: https://www.stachedtraining.comhttps://you...

10/04/2026

🔥 National Fire Prevention Week starts today! 🔋
Charge Smart, Stay Safe

The Midway Fire District is encouraging everyone to take a few minutes during Fire Prevention Week, October 4–10, to check how and where they charge their devices.

Lithium-ion batteries power many everyday items, including phones, laptops, power tools, and e-bikes. Safe charging habits can help prevent battery fires and protect your home and loved ones. Small changes can make a big difference.

📚 The History Behind Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week traces its roots to the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871. The devastating fire killed hundreds of people, left approximately 100,000 homeless, and destroyed more than 17,000 structures.

On its 40th anniversary in 1911, the Fire Marshals Association of North America promoted Fire Prevention Day to educate the public about fire safety.

President Woodrow Wilson issued the first national Fire Prevention Day proclamation in 1920. The observance expanded to Fire Prevention Week in 1922, and President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week in 1925.

Observed each year during the week that includes October 9, Fire Prevention Week carries forward a longstanding mission: preventing fires through education and preparation.

Throughout October, fire departments and schools continue that work with demonstrations, drills, open houses, and community safety programs.

➡️ Learn more about safe charging and fire prevention at NFPA.org.

From all of us at Midway Fire District: a little preparation and education can save lives. Make fire safety part of your routine this week—and every week.

10/03/2026

09/29/2026

MIDWAY IS HIRING-The "Gold Standard" for mutual aid partnerships. Come join the Santa Rosa Fire Alliance! Created in 2020 with the vision of a shared aggressive fire culture, SOGs, equipment designs, expecations and training. Midway, Holley-Navarre, Navarre Beach, and Gulf Breeze FDs work collaboratively together to provide a higher level of service to all of our citizens in South Santa Rosa County.

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS October 2, 2026. Apply online at www.midwayfire.com or visit our headquarters at 1322 College Parkway, Gulf Breeze, Florida.

09/29/2026

Two Deputies Transported After Pursuit in Tiger Point

On September 29, 2026, at 11:35 a.m., Midway Fire District was dispatched to Tiger Point Boulevard near Tiger Lane for a report of a man acting erratically. While crews were responding, dispatch received an additional report that a Santa Rosa County deputy had been struck by a vehicle at that location.

According to a witness, the man was driving a U-Haul pickup truck and fled eastbound toward Gulf Breeze Parkway, with deputies in pursuit. Near the intersection with Kell Road, the pickup collided with an unmarked Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office vehicle, injuring a second deputy. The pickup driver continued onto East Bay Boulevard, where the truck struck a power pole on a curve. The pole snapped, and a transformer landed on the truck’s cab.

The driver left the pickup and ran toward the bay behind a home. Deputies apprehended and arrested him.

The deputy struck in the initial incident was transported to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola as a trauma alert. The second deputy was taken to a freestanding emergency room for evaluation. The driver was also transported; the extent of his injuries is unknown.

These are preliminary details pending a release from the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.

09/29/2026

Tesla Strikes FHP Patrol Car at Navarre Crash Scene, Pushing It Into Deputy’s Vehicle

First responders know that danger does not end when they arrive at a crash. On Monday night in Navarre, a Florida Highway Patrol trooper and Santa Rosa County sheriff’s deputies were working at a crash scene on Highway 87 at Nevada Street when a Tesla, on autopilot struck the rear of an FHP patrol car.

The impact pushed the trooper’s car into the rear of a deputy’s vehicle. In addition, a second Santa Rosa Deputy's car also sustained damage from the collision. Injuries were reported as minor. The collision is a stark reminder of how quickly a roadside response can put the people working there in harm’s way.

When approaching a crash scene, drivers need to slow down, watch for responders and be ready to stop. The people helping at the first crash should not become victims of the next one.