Deputy Steven Bruner of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office died after suffering a medical emergency shortly after his shift ended, following his work evacuating residents from a wildfire that has burned 500 acres in northwest Florida. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office announced Bruner’s death Sunday morning after he spent Saturday assisting with evacuations from the Baker Road wildfire in the Mossy Pond Community near Miller Road. According to the Florida Forest Service, the Baker Road wildfire had burned at least 500 acres and was 40% contained as of Saturday night.
“To know Bruner was to love him. He was the kind of person who would step up to help anyone without a second thought. Selfless, dedicated, and truly one of a kind,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post Sunday morning. Emergency management officials reported that at least 12 structures have been impacted by the wildfire. The sheriff’s office advised anyone living in the Mossy Pond Community area to evacuate immediately.
“Rest easy, Deputy Bruner. We have it from here,” the sheriff’s office said. The Florida Forest Service has deployed multiple tractors on the ground throughout the fire area working to contain the blaze. Aerial resources, including drones and fixed wing aircraft, are flying over the area to monitor conditions.
Florida is currently experiencing the worst drought conditions since 2001, according to the FOX Forecast Center, with some of the most severe drought conditions across North Florida and parts of the Panhandle. The state has been in a prolonged dry pattern since the 2025 hurricane season ended. Florida’s fire season historically runs from January until the start of the rainy season in June.
Law enforcement agencies across Florida sent condolences to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and Bruner’s family. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Bruner’s family and the entire Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office,” the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office said. The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office added: “Tonight, we sadly join the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office in mourning the loss of Deputy Steven Bruner, who passed away after a medical emergency.”
Calhoun County Emergency Management reported that utility crews are actively working to replace damaged poles and restore power throughout the fire-affected area. The sheriff’s office is conducting welfare checks throughout the impacted area. A countywide burn ban remains in effect until further notice, prohibiting all outdoor burning activities.
The Baker Road wildfire represents one of multiple blazes affecting Florida during the current fire season, which coincides with the state’s ongoing drought emergency. Calhoun County is among several Florida counties that have implemented outdoor burn bans as fire danger remains elevated across the region.