Latest news with #OrangeCountyFireRescue
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Burn ban lifted in Orange County
Orange County has joined multiple other counties in lifting its recent outdoor burn ban. The lifted ban was for unincorporated areas and any municipalities that Orange County Fire Rescue services, including Edgewood, Belle Isle, Oakland and Eatonville. Burn bans are automatically instituted under Orange County's Fire Prevention and Protection Ordinance when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index meets or exceeds 500. The recent rainfall helped push the KBDI average below 500 for the seventh consecutive day, allowing the burn ban's cancelation. While recreational open burning may now resume, officials encourage safety and always having an ability to extinguish any fire that are started. For more information on what burning is allowed in Orange County, visit the Orange County Environmental Protection Division's website. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Orange County firefighters test augmented reality helmets in smoke-filled rescues
The Brief Orange County Fire Rescue is testing new AR helmets that improve visibility through thick smoke. The C-THRU helmets stream real-time visuals to help locate victims and avoid obstacles. The department is one of 80 nationwide selected to pilot the technology. ORLANDO, Fla. - Orange County Fire Rescue is testing new AR helmets that improve visibility through thick smoke. What we know Orange County Fire Rescue is among 80 departments nationwide selected to test a new augmented reality helmet designed to enhance firefighter visibility in smoke-filled environments. Developed by Qwake Technologies, the C-THRU helmet allows firefighters to see through heavy smoke by projecting a live, thermal-based image of the room directly onto a display inside the helmet. The technology aims to improve navigation, help responders avoid obstacles, and identify victims more quickly during rescue operations. In addition to real-time visual support, the helmets upload footage to a cloud-based system, enabling command staff and other team members to observe what firefighters are seeing on the ground. Orange County received three of the headsets for testing. What we don't know It remains unclear when or if Orange County Fire Rescue will adopt the helmets permanently. Details on the long-term durability, cost, and how the system integrates with current firefighting gear are still to be determined. The backstory Qwake Technologies developed the C-THRU helmet to address one of the most dangerous challenges in fire rescue operations: limited visibility due to smoke. Traditional methods like handheld thermal imaging cameras provide some assistance but require one hand off tools or victims. By integrating the visuals into a helmet-mounted system, the C-THRU aims to keep firefighters hands-free while maintaining full situational awareness. What they're saying Orange County Fire Rescue, known for integrating new technology into its operations, was selected to participate in this multi-agency pilot effort. The department has been testing the helmets for the past two weeks and will continue evaluation for another week. "I think anything that can make us safer is always a positive in our industry," said Lt. Kevin Nazario of Orange County Fire Rescue. "As technology increases, we always need to be on the edge of it, and Orange County Fire Rescue does a great job keeping up with the latest technology advances. So I think it's good, moving forward." STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by Orange County Fire Rescue and Qwake Technologies.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Orange County firefighters battle house fire on North Christmas Road
The Brief Fire crews responded to a fully involved house fire Thursday on North Christmas Road in Orange County. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. What we know ORLANDO, Fla. - Fire crews are working to extinguish a fully involved house fire Thursday afternoon on North Christmas Road, officials said. Orange County Fire Rescue responded to the scene near Fort Christmas Road and found the home engulfed in flames. No injuries have been reported, and firefighters continue efforts to bring the fire under control. What we don't know The cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities said. No photos or videos from the incident have been released. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source The information in this article comes from the Orange County Fire Rescue Department.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Brush fire breaks out in Orange County, officials say
The Brief Multiple fire units responded to a brush fire that broke out on Saturday afternoon in Orange County. There were no reports of injuries or immediate threats to structures. Authorities said the fire was about 25 acres in size. ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Multiple fire units responded to a brush fire that broke out on Saturday afternoon in Orange County, officials say. As of 6:27 p.m. on Saturday, crews reported the fire to be out. Officials said they will remain on the scene to check for hot spots. What we know Orange County Fire Rescue (OCFR) posted to its X account around 5 p.m. to warn the public of the fire. Fire officials said the blaze is in the area of State Road 414 and Lakeville Road at the old landfill. Authorities shared an update on X less than an hour later, saying the fire was covering about 25 acres. OCFR said there have been no reports of injuries or immediate threats to structures. What you can do Authorities were asking the public to use caution in the immediate area and to expect road closures as crews work to put the fire out. Dig deeper Authorities have not yet released the specific causes of the fire. However, as drought conditions continue to be prevalent across Central Florida, the risk of wildfires is continuing to rise. Drought conditions and dry weather have fueled at least five recent fires, prompting a region-wide burn ban. Officials are urging residents near wooded areas to prepare, warning that Florida's wildfire season is intensifying. This is a developing story. Check back later for more updates. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by Orange County Fire Rescue (OCFR) in an email and post on X on April 26, 2025.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Orange County issues burn ban as drought conditions worsen
ORLANDO, Fla. - Orange County officials have issued a burn ban for unincorporated areas and several municipalities as drought conditions continue to intensify, officials announced Wednesday. What we know The ban applies to areas served by Orange County Fire Rescue, including: Edgewood Belle Isle Oakland Eatonville The restriction was triggered automatically under the county's Fire Prevention and Protection Ordinance after the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) reached 500, a threshold that signals increased wildfire risk. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning without a permit, including: Recreational fires Bonfires Outdoor fireplaces Burning of yard debris or trash However, state-authorized burns and the use of outdoor grills or pits defined under Section 18-4 of the county code are exempt. Violators may face enforcement actions, including citations, and any unauthorized fires will be extinguished. The ban will remain in place until the drought index stays below 500 for seven consecutive days. What you can do Orange County Fire Rescue is urging residents to take proactive steps to reduce fire risks, such as creating defensible space around their homes, clearing debris from roofs and gutters, and staying alert to changing conditions. Residents are also encouraged to download the OCFL Alert app for real-time emergency updates. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source The information in this article comes from the Orange County Government's Office of Communications.
