Firefighters Hold the Line at Choctaw Plaza Fire

A late-night commercial structure fire tore through a Fort Walton Beach shopping center Monday evening, destroying one business and damaging several others.

The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department responded to a 911 call around 8 p.m. on Feb. 23, 2026, reporting heavy smoke and flames at Choctaw Plaza, located at 119 Racetrack Road NW. When the first units arrived within minutes, firefighters observed flames showing from the west side of the plaza — specifically the Rent-A-Center furniture store.

Due to the size of the building and the extent of the fire involvement, the incident was quickly upgraded to a third alarm, bringing in additional manpower to support what officials described as a safe but intensive operation.

Approximately 35 firefighters and 10 firefighting vehicles from the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department, Ocean City-Wright Fire Control District, and Okaloosa Island Fire Department responded to the scene. The Eglin Air Force Base Fire Department provided district coverage during the incident.

Crews launched an aggressive interior offensive attack, working swiftly to contain the flames to their point of origin. After roughly 30 minutes of coordinated firefighting efforts, crews successfully brought the blaze under control and prevented it from spreading to neighboring storefronts.

The Rent-A-Center business sustained significant structural and property damage. Smoke also traveled through the roof system, causing damage to multiple adjacent businesses within the same building.

No one was inside the shopping center at the time of the fire. Officials confirmed there were no reported civilian or firefighter injuries.

The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause and origin of the fire. No additional information has been released.

Fire officials extended their appreciation to mutual aid partners for their coordinated response and assistance.