Latest news with #PolkCountyFireRescue
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
1 dead after RV fire in Polk County, officials say
The Brief An RV fire broke out on Saturday morning in Polk County. Firefighters said one person died after being trapped inside the RV. No additional injuries were reported, and no patients were transported to the hospital. POLK COUNTY, Fla. - One person is dead after being trapped inside an RV that caught fire on Saturday morning in Polk County, officials say. What we know Firefighters with Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) said they responded to a working structure fire around 11:52 a.m. on Saturday at Combee Road in Lakeland. When crews arrived, they found an RV fully engulfed in flames with an individual potentially trapped inside. Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the fire, but said one person died. No additional injuries were reported by the crews, and no patients were transported to the hospital. What we don't know Authorities have not yet released the identity of the person killed in the fire. It is currently unclear what started the RV fire. What's next The incident is currently under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshals Office and the Polk County Sheriff's Office. FOX 35 News has reached out to officials for more information. 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 the Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) in a news release on May 31, 2025.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Red flag warning issued for Polk County. What is the wildfire risk, and the weather forecast?
A cold front is moving through Florida today, April 11, as drought conditions prompt the National Weather Service to issue red flag warnings for several counties. Northeast Florida could see locally heavy downpours today as the front moves through, according to the National Weather Service Jacksonville. The front is expected to weaken as it moves south. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings for seven counties early Friday along the central and east coast of the state. Friday morning, there were 39 wildfires burning, up from 33 Thursday, according to the Florida Forest Service. The average statewide drought index increased Thursday to 348, up seven points from Wednesday's 341. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for seven counties: Brevard Lake Orange Osceola Polk Seminole Volusia A red flag warning is issued when "critical fire weather conditions" are in place. "A red flag warning means warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger," the National Weather Service said. On Thursday, Polk County averaged 428 on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index. That indicates abnormally dry conditions. In late May last year, Polk County Fire Rescue ordered a burn ban when the average KBDI reached 507. In 2023, a burn ban came in late March when the county averaged 501. Thursday's rating of 482 was six points higher than the day before. Notably, 37% of the county had a KBDI over 501 on Thursday. mostly from the county's southwestern tip up through Bartow. Polk County might see some limited relief tonight as a cold front passes through. The National Weather Service in Ruskin says there's a low chance of severe storms entering the county tonight, mostly affecting northwest Polk. But then we're back to sunny and fairly cool temperatures with low humidity through the weekend, the kind of conditions described in the red flag warning. Friday: Sunny, with a high near 84. Light west northwest wind becoming west 6 to 11 mph in the afternoon. Friday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 56. West wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 77. Northwest wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 52. West northwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light northwest after midnight. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming north northwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 54. North northwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Monday: Sunny, with a high near 87. Light and variable wind. Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 58. West wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. Forecasters said residents under a red flag warning should follow this advice: If you are allowed to burn in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch. Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road. Extinguish all outdoor fires properly. Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it. Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the largest wildfires burning in Florida as of April 4 were (data is updated every Friday): East Marsh Fire: One mile west of DeLand. 3,377 acres. 80% contained. Fernadez Fire: Four miles northeast of Lake Kathryn. 565 acres. 80% contained. Red Horse Fire: Fire started on private land seven miles northwest of Bowling Green. 390 acres. 95% contained. "Wildfire names are generally based on the geographic location of the fire or a nearby geographic feature," according to Tim Brown, communications manager with the Florida Forest Service in an email. "For example, the '344 Fire' was due to its location near 344 Street." Forecast for Friday, April 11: Western Panhandle, Pensacola: Storms moved through the area Thursday day. On Friday, expect sunny skies, winds gusting as high as 20 mph. High 77. Low 54. Central Panhandle, Tallahassee: A few strong to severe storms are possible Friday afternoon. Watch for gusty winds and possibility of hail. High 79. Low 52. Northeast Florida, Jacksonville: Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Friday. Wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph and small hail will be the primary threats. High 81. Low 56. East Coast, Central Florida from Daytona Beach to Stuart: Rain showers and isolated lightning storm chances will be small as a weakening cold front moves through the area Friday night. High 84. Low 61. South Florida, West Palm Beach, Naples: Scattered showers will be possible Friday afternoon into the early evening. High 78. Low 66. Southwest Florida, Fort Myers to Sarasota: There's a risk for severe storms, mainly across the Nature Coast Friday evening into the nighttime hours. High 75. Low 66. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index average for Florida was 348 Thursday. The drought index uses a scale from 0, which is very wet, to 800, which is very dry. Dry conditions on the weekend, combined with falling relative humidity is expected to bring "sensitive to locally elevated wildfire conditions" throughout the state Saturday, according to the Florida Department of Emergency Management. As of Thursday, April 10, there were 17 Florida counties with a mean Keetch-Byram Drought Index over 500, which means drought or increased fire danger. One county, Lee, has hit 600. Broward: 524 Charlotte: 560 Collier: 587 DeSoto: 520 Glades: 549 Hardee: 562 Hendry: 594 Lake: 537 Lee: 600 Manatee: 545 Miami-Dade: 528 Monroe: 546 Palm Beach: 574 Pasco: 514 Sarasota: 553 Sumter: 522 Volusia: 501 Another 13 of Florida's 67 counties have index numbers in the 400s. Five counties are within 25 points of hitting 500: Highlands: 487 Hillsborough: 489 Martin: 494 Orange: 475 Polk: 482 Here's an explanation of what the Keetch-Byram Drought Index numbers mean, according to the Wildland Fire Assessment System. 0-200: Soil moisture and large-class fuel moistures are high and do not contribute much to fire intensity. Typical of spring dormant season following winter precipitation. 200-400: Typical of late spring, early growing season. Lower litter and duff layers are drying and beginning to contribute to fire intensity. 400-600: Typical of late summer, early fall. Lower litter and duff layers actively contribute to fire intensity and will burn actively. 600-800: Often associated with more severe drought with increased wildfire occurrence. Intense, deep burning fires with significant downwind spotting can be expected. Live fuels can also be expected to burn actively at these levels. According to the Florida Forest Service, burn bans are in place for the following counties: Charlotte Collier Glades Hendry Highlands Lake Sarasota The open burning of yard debris is always prohibited in these counties: Duval Hillsborough Orange Pinellas Early Friday, a weak cold front is expected to bring some showers to portions of the state. A few locally strong thunderstorms capable of small hail can't be ruled out, according to the Florida Department of Emergency Management. By Saturday morning, the front will push offshore, bringing mostly dry conditions and elevated wildfire conditions to the state. High temperatures will reach the middle to upper 70s across North Florida and lower to middle80s across Central and South Florida on Friday. Slightly cooler conditions will keep high temperatures in the lower 70s across North Florida, middle to upper 70s across Central Florida and upper 70s and lower 80s across South Florida Saturday afternoon. Low temperatures will fall into the upper 40s to lower 50s across North Florida and middle 50s to middle 60s across Central and South Florida Friday night. By Saturday night low temperatures will fall into the 40s again across North Florida, 50s throughout interior Central and South Florida and middle 50s to lower 60s across coastal Central and South Florida. We will continue to update our weather coverage as conditions warrant. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Polk County is 1 of 7 with new wildfire warnings. See the forecast
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Person trying to put out fire with garden hose pulled from Mulberry blaze: PCFR
The Brief Polk County firefighters rescued an unconscious person from a fire on Saturday morning. Firefighters said the person was trying to put out the fire with a garden hose before they arrived. The person was flown to an area hospital, but their condition is unknown. MULBERRY, Fla. - Polk County firefighters pulled an individual from a fire who was trying to douse the blaze with a fire hose before they arrived. What we know Firefighters with Polk County Fire Rescue went to a building fire at 3541 Shady Brooke Drive W. in Mulberry shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. READ: 8 suspects charged in international child pornography case, FDLE says: 'Truly heinous' Upon arrival, firefighters said they found an unconscious person inside who has been trying to put out the fire with a garden hose. The patient was given immediate medical attention and flown to an area hospital via Air Care. No additional injuries were reported. No additional patients were transported. READ:Man charged with mother's murder after claiming accidental shooting denied bond What they're saying "Polk County Fire Rescue crews demonstrated exceptional professionalism and quick thinking in locating and removing an unconscious individual from the structure," said Polk County Deputy County Manager of Public Safety Joe Halman, Jr. "Their swift and coordinated efforts reflect their dedication and commitment to keeping our community safe." What we don't know The cause of the fire is under investigation. It is also unclear if the patient is a man or a woman or what condition they are in. The Source This story was written with information provided by Polk County Fire Rescue. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Yahoo
Kayaking woman bitten by alligator on Lake Wales' Tiger Creek Canal
A woman was bitten on the elbow by an alligator Monday while paddling at Tiger Creek Canal in Polk County, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said. The FWC and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the scene and the victim was taken to the hospital to be treated for her injuries. A contracted nuisance alligator trapper was dispatched to remove the alligator. Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida, FWC said. 'The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP),' an email statement said. 'SNAP uses contracted nuisance alligator trappers throughout the state to remove alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property. People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC's toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). The FWC recommends the following precautionary measures near alligators, including in or near the water, to reduce the chances of conflicts with alligators: Alligators in Polk: Among the state's most alligator-infested lakes, Polk County shows up a lot. Surprise? Nah Keep a safe distance if you see an alligator. If someone is concerned about an alligator, they should call FWC's toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). Keep pets on a leash and away from the water's edge. Pets often resemble alligators' natural prey. Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours and without your pet. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. Never feed an alligator. It's illegal and dangerous. When fed, alligators can lose their natural wariness and instead learn to associate people with the availability of food. This can lead to an alligator becoming a nuisance and needing to be removed from the wild. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Alligator bites kayaker on Lake Wales' Tiger Creek Canal
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Polk County to hire 75 new firefighters to improve work-life balance, reduce high turnover
The Brief Polk County will soon hire 75 new firefighters. The goal is to cut down on overtime and give better work-life balance for first responders. Funding for the new hires will come from the county's general fund and the fire general fund. POLK COUNTY, Fla. - Polk County will soon be looking to fill dozens of new firefighter, paramedic and EMT positions to reduce overtime hours-- a move the head of the local firefighter's union is calling "a step in the right direction." The backstory Polk County Fire Rescue doesn't have a problem attracting and hiring talent. In fact, the VP of the IFF Local 3531 says they hire 100 people each year. Their problem is retention. "What ends up happening is we're hiring all these people to simply replace the firefighters going elsewhere that have a better schedule and more money," said Tom Konze. Currently, the department has 606 firefighters whom Konze says have to work 68 hours a week, which greatly affects their mental and physical health. By the numbers County commissioners approved more than $9 million Tuesday to hire 75 more firefighters so they can reduce overtime work hours. "These additional positions will improve the work-life balance of all first responders within the Polk County Fire Rescue division and should translate to a more productive and energized work force," said County Manager William Beasley. Polk County Fire Rescue responds to about 130,000 calls per year. That's more than Hillsborough County and other surrounding counties. Konze says lack of staffing thankfully has not affected response times. His ultimate goal is to reduce their number of hours worked, which means hiring additional people. His target number is 300. "We do plan on going back to the negotiation table with the county in the next couple of months to start working out ideas and a plan to implement a reduced work week," said Konze. Funding for these hires will come from the county's general fund and the fire general fund. What they're saying In a statement to FOX 13, Interim Fire Chief Shawn Smith said: "Polk County Fire Rescue is excited for the additional 75 positions. These positions can cut down on overtime for our members and allow for a better work-life balance once these positions are filled. This is a step forward for our organization, and we are thankful for the County Commissioners' and county staff's support in approving this measure." The Source Information for the story was gathered by FOX 13 reporter Carla Bayron. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
