07/19/2026
Woman Rescued from Burning Home by Holley-Navarre Firefighters
An elderly woman was rescued from a burning home Saturday evening after firefighters performed a daring window entry during a fast-moving residential fire on Villa Court.
The Holley-Navarre Fire District was dispatched at 7:59 p.m. to the 2100 block of Villa Street after a 911 caller reported that the rear porch of a home was on fire. The caller also advised dispatchers that numerous vehicles were parked in the driveway, raising concerns that people could still be inside.
When Battalion 40 arrived, the fire had already spread from the rear of the residence into the attic. Firefighters advancing attack lines through the front door encountered intense heat and near-zero visibility as crews began searching for occupants.
At the same time, the crew of Squad 44 initiated a Vent-Enter-Search (V.E.S.) operation on the right side of the home. After venting a bedroom window and entering the smoke-filled room, Captain Johnny Robertson and Firefighter Chris Tate discovered an unconscious elderly woman lying near the window.
The two firefighters immediately lifted the woman and passed her through the window to firefighters waiting outside, where firefighters and personnel from Lifeguard EMS began providing advanced life support before she was transported for further medical care.
Firefighters continued their search of the residence and located seven dogs and one cat. Despite their efforts, none of the animals survived.
The fire caused extensive damage to the home, with heavy fire involvement in the attic and significant smoke and heat damage throughout the residence. The American Red Cross assisted five adults and one child who were displaced by the fire. The six family members were not home at the time the fire started.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal's Office.
Holley-Navarre Fire District units responding to the incident included Engine 41, Engine 45, Squad 44, Chief 40 and Battalion 40. They were assisted by Midway Engines 35, 36 and 37, Battalion 35, Navarre Beach Engine 49 and Chief 49. Avalon Engine 12 and Gulf Breeze Station 33 provided district coverage while crews operated at the scene. The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office assisted with traffic control, and C.E.R.T. personnel responded to assist with firefighter rehabilitation.
