Deputy Fire Chief

Dustin Fitch

Fire Rescue

Deputy Fire Chief

Brett Hogan

Fire Rescue

Fire Rescue

Highlands County Fire Rescue (HCFR) was established in 2018 to service the residents and visitors of Highlands County through a unified response organization.

Our mission is to safeguard the lives and property of our community through effective emergency response, fire prevention, and public safety education, displaying professionalism and compassion with a mindset of service over self.

Fire/Rescue Operations is responsible for firefighter safety and compliance; facility and equipment maintenance; incident response and on-scene management; maintaining and updating the Standard Operating Guidelines; and assisting in the design, development, and implementation of the Highlands County Fire Control Plan.

Fire/Rescue Training is dedicated to creating, implementing, and delivering quality training programs that reflect the needs and ever-changing responsibilities of the Fire/Rescue service. That responsibility ranges from initial emergency response training to on-going training and skill development of firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and fire officers. Major emphasis is always safety, and to ensure a competent, efficient, and effective emergency response to protect life, property, and the environment.

☀️ Florida Fire Rescue & EMS Heat Safety Notice

Stay Safe. Stay Hydrated. Stay Cool.

Florida’s heat and humidity can become dangerous quickly. Whether you are working outdoors, exercising, attending events, enjoying the beach, or completing daily activities, heat-related illness can affect anyone. Taking simple precautions can help prevent emergencies.

💧 Hydrate Before You Feel Thirsty

  • Drink water consistently throughout the day.
  • Increase fluid intake when spending time outdoors.
  • Limit alcohol and reduce sugary or highly caffeinated beverages, which may contribute to dehydration.
  • During prolonged outdoor activity with heavy sweating, consider replacing lost electrolytes appropriately.

🌡️ Avoid Peak Heat Hours

  • Schedule outdoor activities during early morning or evening hours when temperatures are lower.
  • Reduce strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day (typically 10:00 AM–4:00 PM).
  • Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

👕 Dress for Florida Conditions

  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, breathable clothing.
  • Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), sunglasses, and a hat when outdoors.
  • Protect exposed skin from prolonged sun exposure.

🚨 Know the Warning Signs of Heat Illness

Heat Exhaustion

  • Heavy sweating
  • Headache
  • Dizziness or weakness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Cool, clammy skin

Heat Stroke — Medical Emergency

  • Body temperature above 104°F
  • Confusion or unusual behavior
  • Hot, dry skin or stopped sweating
  • Seizures or loss of consciousness

If symptoms worsen or someone appears confused, collapses, or loses consciousness: Call 911 immediately. Begin cooling efforts and remain with the individual until help arrives.

🚗 Never Leave Anyone in a Parked Vehicle

Temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly—even with windows cracked.

Never leave:

  • Children
  • Older adults
  • Pets
  • Vulnerable individuals unattended in a vehicle

❤️ Check on Others

Older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes, pregnant individuals, and people with chronic medical conditions may be at increased risk during extreme heat. Check on family members, neighbors, and coworkers regularly.

Your Fire Rescue & EMS team encourages all residents and visitors to make heat safety a priority this season.
Prevent heat illness before it becomes an emergency.