👥 Who: South Walton Fire District, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Walton County Emergency Management
☣️ What: Hazardous materials spill involving an unknown liquid chemical
⏰ When: Wednesday morning, Feb. 11, 2026
📍 Where: Thompson Road and U.S. Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach
❓ Why: A chemical reportedly spilled from a truck that left the scene
SANTA ROSA BEACH — A hazardous materials spill temporarily shut down a portion of U.S. Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach on Wednesday morning, prompting a multi-agency emergency response and hours of traffic disruption, according to a post on The South Walton Fire District’s Facebook Page.
Emergency crews were dispatched around 9:15 a.m. after 911 callers reported an unknown liquid chemical spilling onto the roadway, producing visible plumes of smoke near Thompson Road and U.S. Highway 98. The vehicle believed to be responsible for the spill was no longer on scene when first responders arrived.
The South Walton Fire District, working alongside the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and Walton County Emergency Management, secured the area and temporarily shut down eastbound traffic while the hazard was assessed and contained. Officials also coordinated with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to ensure the roadway could be safely reopened.
Fire officials confirmed the chemical spill was contained to the immediate area and did not pose an ongoing threat to nearby residents or property. The primary impact, officials said, was significant traffic congestion during the cleanup process.
By 11:50 a.m., authorities announced the spill had been mitigated, and eastbound lanes of Highway 98 were reopened.
As the incident unfolded, residents took to social media seeking updates, clarification, and timelines for reopening. Many expressed frustration over prolonged traffic delays, particularly in neighborhoods near Thompson Road, with some drivers reporting being stuck for extended periods.
Others questioned why the specific chemical could not be identified, especially for those living nearby. Fire officials responded that the exact substance was unknown, explaining that responders can only share confirmed information and must prioritize containment and public safety.
Several commenters also raised concerns about traffic diversion and communication, while others thanked first responders for their work and urged the public to avoid scam or bot comments circulating on the post that attempted to lure users into clicking suspicious links.
Fire officials emphasized that updates were shared only when new information became available and thanked residents for their patience and cooperation during the response.
No injuries were reported.
📸 Image Credit: The South Walton Fire District
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