Highlands County Fire Rescue

How much rain does it take to end a drought? More than many people realize.

According to NOAA data, much of Florida still needs 30+ inches of rainfall over the next three months to eliminate current drought conditions. For Highlands County, that number exceeds 33 inches.

While recent rainfall events have provided welcome relief, drought recovery is not determined by a single storm. Sustained rainfall over time is needed to replenish groundwater levels, restore wetlands, improve streamflow, and support healthy ecosystems.

Recovery from drought takes time, and resilience takes all of us. Local agencies will continue monitoring conditions, preparing resources, and supporting our community. We also need residents to do their part – follow safety guidance, make informed decisions, and take actions that help reduce risk. Together, we build a more resilient Highlands County.

What does a burn ban mean? 🚫🔥

A burn ban is a temporary safety measure put in place during extremely dry conditions to help reduce the risk of dangerous wildfires.

When vegetation and soil become critically dry, even small outdoor sparks can quickly spread and threaten homes, property and natural areas.

Burn bans may prohibit activities such as:
• Yard debris burning
• Burn barrels
• Campfires and open burning
• Personal fireworks use
• Other outdoor burning activities

Restrictions are based on current drought conditions and wildfire risk – not the calendar.

Even after rainfall, dry conditions can remain beneath the surface for weeks.

Highlands County continues monitoring drought conditions closely and appreciates the community’s help in reducing wildfire risk and protecting our neighborhoods, firefighters and natural resources.

Jenna is one of our very best, always ready to help.

Whether providing medical care to residents and visitors, training fellow Fire Rescue personnel, or lending a hand wherever needed, she consistently goes above and beyond for others.

Did you know Highlands County Fire Rescue has dedicated staff responsible for training and credentialing future paramedics? Meet one of the people helping prepare the next generation of first responders.

Meet Jenna Levine, firefighter/paramedic and field training officer with Highlands County Fire Rescue! 🚑🚒

For the past 17 years, Jenna has proudly served the residents of Highlands County.

She began her career as a paramedic and now serves as a firefighter/paramedic and field training officer, helping train new employees and guide EMTs as they advance to become paramedics. She also plays an important role in the credentialing process that prepares paramedics to serve the community.

One of Jenna's favorite parts of the job is meeting people. Whether she's working alongside a new employee or caring for a patient, she finds purpose in helping others during some of the most important moments of their lives.

She also hopes the community understands that emergency services is both physically and emotionally demanding. While firefighters and paramedics are known for their sense of humor, the work often involves difficult situations that stay with them long after a call ends.

Jenna's path to Fire Rescue began after paramedics responded to a serious horse-riding accident involving her mother. Watching them remain calm, professional and compassionate during a frightening moment inspired her to pursue a career in emergency medicine.

When she's not serving the community, Jenna enjoys spending time with her children, traveling, exploring the outdoors, and making new recipes with her family. One recent favorite was a meal she prepared in honor of her late father – fried pork chops with tomato gravy and rice – a way to celebrate his memory while sharing it with those she loves.

Thank you, Jenna, for your dedication to training the next generation of first responders and for the compassion and professionalism you bring to Highlands County Fire Rescue every day.

Never swim alone. 🌊

Swimming with a buddy adds an important layer of safety.

Unexpected situations can happen quickly, including:

⚠️ Fatigue
⚠️ Medical emergencies
⚠️ Strong currents
⚠️ Slips or falls

Always make sure someone knows where you are and avoid swimming alone in pools, lakes or other waterways.

If someone is in trouble:

📞 Call 911 immediately
🚫 Do not jump in after them unless trained
🛟 Throw something that floats and continue talking to them until help arrives

Safe choices save lives.

Fire destroys former AP Beachfront nightclub building

AVON PARK – Multiple fire departments responded Tuesday evening, June 10, 2026, to a large structure fire at the former Beachfront Night Club building on West Garrett Road in Avon Park.

Highlands County Fire Rescue, serving as the lead agency and incident command, was dispatched to the fire at approximately 8:02 p.m. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire conditions involving the approximately 10,000-square-foot structure.

Fire crews from Highlands County Fire Rescue, Avon Park Fire Department, and Sebring Fire Department worked together to contain and extinguish the blaze. Approximately 15 apparatus and 40 to 50 emergency responders were involved in the response.

Due to the size of the building and the extent of the fire, crews remained on scene well into the early morning hours conducting suppression operations and overhaul activities. Duke Energy responded to disconnect electrical service to the structure.

The building was destroyed in the fire and is considered a total loss.
No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported.

"Our hearts go out to the family and to the Avon Park community," Division Chief William Kingston said. "The Beachfront has long been an iconic part of Avon Park's history. Many residents remember the pink building and the role it played in the community for decades. We know the owner was working toward restoring the property, and we recognize that this loss will be felt by many people who have a connection to this place."

One occupant who had been living in a residential portion of the building was displaced because of the fire. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist with emergency housing and support services.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The State Fire Marshal's Office has been requested to assist with determining the origin and cause of the incident.

“Highlands County Fire Rescue would like to thank Avon Park Fire Department, Sebring Fire Department, Duke Energy, the American Red Cross, and all responding personnel for their assistance and coordinated efforts throughout the incident,” Kingston said.

Don’t wait until it’s too late – know the warning signs of a stroke 🚑

Every second counts during an emergency. Recognizing the warning signs could save a life, including your own.

🧠 Signs of a stroke: B.E. F.A.S.T.

B = Balance loss
E = Eye or vision changes
F = Face drooping
A = Arm weakness
S = Speech difficulty
T = Time to call 911

Call 911 immediately if you observe any of these symptoms in yourself or others.

Why does drought still matter even after rain? 🌧️➡️🔥

While Highlands County has received some recent rainfall, our area remains in extreme drought conditions.

Florida measures drought and wildfire risk using the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which tracks how dry the soil and vegetation are on a scale from 0–800.

As drought conditions increase:
🔥 Grass, brush and trees ignite more easily
🔥 Fires can spread faster
🔥 Wildfires may burn deeper into the ground
🔥 Even small sparks can become dangerous

One rainy afternoon does not immediately reverse drought conditions. It often takes weeks or months of consistent rainfall for deeper soil moisture levels to recover.

That’s why wildfire risk can remain high even after recent rain.

Please continue practicing outdoor fire safety and stay aware of local conditions as we work together to reduce wildfire risk throughout Highlands County.

Life jackets save lives. 🦺

Whether you’re boating, fishing or enjoying time on the lake, wearing a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is one of the simplest ways to stay safe around water.

Remember:

✔️ Life jackets should fit snugly
✔️ Children should always wear life jackets near open water
✔️ Inflatable toys and floaties are NOT life-saving devices
✔️ Even strong swimmers can face unexpected emergencies

A life jacket only works if you wear it.

Stay safe and prepared while enjoying Highlands County waterways this summer.

Highlands County Fire Rescue was dispatched at 5:36 p.m. to a brush fire near Bream Avenue and Pompano Drive in Sebring.

Currently, the brush fire is estimated to be around 5 acres with 0% containment.

One house has been evacuated as crews are working around it.

HCFR responding units are Engine 7, Rescue 7, Brush 9, Brush 10, Tanker 9, EM 1, Battalion 1, and Division 1.

Forestry is also on scene with 2 plows and 2 Type 6 engines. All crews are working on containment now.

Please stay clear of the neighborhood and allow first responders to work safely.