Fire Rescue

Fire Rescue

Highlands County Fire Rescue (HCFR) was established in 2018 to service the residents and visitors of Highlands County through a unified response organization.

Our mission is to safeguard the lives and property of our community through effective emergency response, fire prevention, and public safety education, displaying professionalism and compassion with a mindset of service over self.

Fire/Rescue Operations is responsible for firefighter safety and compliance; facility and equipment maintenance; incident response and on-scene management; maintaining and updating the Standard Operating Guidelines; and assisting in the design, development, and implementation of the Highlands County Fire Control Plan.

Fire/Rescue Training is dedicated to creating, implementing, and delivering quality training programs that reflect the needs and ever-changing responsibilities of the Fire/Rescue service. That responsibility ranges from initial emergency response training to on-going training and skill development of firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and fire officers. Major emphasis is always safety, and to ensure a competent, efficient, and effective emergency response to protect life, property, and the environment.


HIGHLANDS COUNTY BURN BAN IN EFFECT

A mandatory burn ban is now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Highlands County, including Lorida and Venus, and the special districts of Sun 'n Lake Improvement District and Spring Lake Improvement District, and the municipalities of Avon Park, Lake Placid and Sebring through June 16, 2026.

WHAT IS A BURN BAN?

A burn ban prohibits outdoor burning to prevent accidental and avoidable wildfires. Burn bans occur when there has been an extensive drought and dry vegetation could easily ignite and start a fire.

The burn ban prohibits the following:

1. Campfires;
2. Bonfires;
3. Open cooking fires;
4. Unpermitted controlled burns;
5. Burning of yard and household trash;
6. Burning of organic debris like lumber and trees; and
7. Igniting fireworks

WHAT IS ALLOWED:

1. Cooking on a contained gas or charcoal grill is allowed.
2. Activities authorized by Florida Forest Service are allowed.

The burn ban is in effect through June 16, 2026, unless extended by the Board of County Commissioners. If conditions improve, the burn ban could be lifted sooner by the Highlands County Fire Chief, who will send out notification to the public via the County's Public Information Office.

Any person who refuses to comply or violates this burn ban shall be punished according to the law. This misdemeanor offense is punishable by a fine not exceeding $500 or by imprisonment by a term not to exceed 60 days in the county jail or both.