Suwannee Fire Rescue

Recent news of a Tennessee couple who were badly burned in an explosion involving their food truck demonstrates the critical importance of fire safety when it comes to mobile and temporary cooking operations.

Requirements outlined in NFPA 1, NFPA 96, NFPA 10, and other codes and standards can help keep food trucks safer from fire and explosion hazards.

Visit our informational webpage to explore FAQs related to food truck fire safety and download a free, two-page fact sheet:
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/building-and-life-safety/food-truck-safety

Last week, Suwannee County Fire Rescue responded to a report of a dog trapped inside a sinkhole. Upon arrival, members of the SCFR Special Operations Team confirmed that a small dog was located approximately 40 feet down inside the sinkhole. The dog’s owner advised crews that the dog had been missing for over a week.

Special Operations personnel quickly assessed the situation and determined that a rescue attempt could be safely conducted. Using specialized rescue equipment and techniques, crews successfully lowered a rescuer into the sinkhole and safely retrieved the dog, bringing it back to the surface unharmed and back into the arms of its family.

Suwannee County Fire Rescue was able to safely and successfully complete this rescue due to the continued support from Fire Chief Miller and the Suwannee County Commissioners, whose commitment to providing specialized equipment and training allows SCFR personnel to respond to unique emergencies such as this one.

Units on Scene: ENG3, MED3, Battalion 1, FIRE4.

Recently, Captain Matthew LaMendola applied for funding through the Enbridge Fueling Futures Grant Program on behalf of Suwannee County Fire Rescue. Through the efforts of Captain LaMendola, Suwannee County Fire Rescue was successfully awarded grant funding from Enbridge.

With the approval and support of Chief Miller, the awarded funds were used to purchase two MSA Altair 4XR gas detectors, one MSA Altair 5XR gas detector, and a calibration station. This equipment will enhance the department’s hazardous atmosphere monitoring capabilities and improve firefighter and public safety throughout Suwannee County.

🔥 Burn Ban Temporarily Suspended in Suwannee County 🔥

Suwannee County Fire Rescue would like to inform residents that the countywide burn ban has been temporarily suspended effective Thursday May 14th at 8 am.

Citizens are reminded that all outdoor burning must still comply with the legal and safety requirements established by the Florida Forest Service. Please use caution when conducting any outdoor burning activities and never leave fires unattended.

For current burning regulations and safety guidelines, visit the Florida Forest Service.

If weather conditions change or hazardous conditions develop, additional restrictions may be implemented.

Stay safe, Suwannee County.