Bradford County Fire Rescue

HAPPENING NOW- units are on scene of a traffic crash involving a head on collision in the area of NW 216th Street and NW 41st Avenue. Paramedics are evaluating injuries. There is road blockage. Please avoid the area if possible.

Bradford County Fire Rescue joins our brothers and sisters at Marion County Fire Rescue in mourning the loss of Firefighter/EMT Evan Lewis. Please keep all those affected in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Rest easy, brother.

HAPPENING NOW- units are on scene of a reported travel trailer fire in the 10100 block of SW County Road 18. First arriving unit reported light smoke coming from the trailer. Firefighters responded quickly and were able to extinguish the fire before it could spread further. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.

Chief Carter and Chief Rodgers attended the statewide EMS Advisory Council meetings in south Florida this week, where pre-hospital blood administration was a hot topic.

Chief Rodgers delivered an outstanding presentation regarding pre-hospital blood administration. He showed that this life-saving measure is attainable, even for small departments with limited funding.

Chief Rodgers was instrumental in developing our blood program, which was one of the first in the state for a rural department. We believe that “blood on a budget” will undoubtedly save lives.

Units are on scene of an escaped pile burn in the 23000 block of NE 7th Ave in Lawtey. The fire is contained and no structures are currently in danger.

HAPPENING NOW- units are on scene of a residential structure fire in the 11000 block of SW 92nd Street. Firefighters are working to extinguish the fire. Please avoid the area.

Update (6-2-26):
After resuming search operations under safer conditions this morning, tragically, we located a deceased victim inside the home. The identity has not yet been released. Our hearts are broken for the family of the deceased.

There was a large explosion early in the initial fire attack last night. It is believed to have been the result of an oxygen tank rupturing. Our firefighters were close by when the tank ruptured and were struck by debris, knocking one of them to the ground. One firefighter was evaluated and released on scene. The other firefighter was evaluated at a local hospital and discharged shortly thereafter. Thankfully, injuries were minor, and both firefighters are already back to normal duty.

As of today, the burn ban has been lifted. Please adhere to safe burning guidelines.

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten.

From all of us at Bradford County Fire Rescue, we wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

A big THANK YOU to the Holiday Inn Express in Starke for thinking of our crews during this year’s EMS week!