WALTON COUNTY, Fla. – A Santa Rose Beach man is accused of starting a 343-acre wildfire in Walton County, according to the sheriff’s office.
Allen Smith is facing charges of reckless burning of lands, open burning requirements, and burning of illegal materials. Each charge is a misdemeanor.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office said they were able to determine Smith is accused of burning illegal prohibited materials in a burn barrel on his property on Mussett Bayou Drive on May 5.
Deputies said the investigation shows Smith is accused of not fully extinguishing the illegal fire completely before leaving the burn barrel unattended.