THEJFRD

Right in the middle of it all, they made time for this. Engine 36 B-Shift stopped at a community day in their territory Saturday, sharing fire safety with kids who were fully engaged, curious, hands-on, and not letting them go anywhere. Showing up for the next generation is an important part of what we do.

This isn’t the time to take chances. With dry conditions and a burn ban in place, even one spark can put lives and homes at risk. Mayor Donna Deegan, Fire Chief Percy Golden II, and Emergency Preparedness Chief Andre Ayoun are asking everyone to do their part. Most wildfires are preventable. Use extreme caution with anything that could cause sparks outdoors, and help keep our community safe by following the burn ban. Stay aware, stay informed, and stay JaxReady.

Our thoughts are with the Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department and the loved ones of Firefighter James “Kevin” Crews, who passed away on April 23 following a medical emergency during active wildfire operations in Nassau County. Kevin chose to serve his community as a volunteer firefighter. That choice is one of the highest forms of public service there is. We offer our deepest condolences to Chief Johnson, the members of Station 4, and Kevin’s family. The men and women of JFRD mourn with you.

We need everyone’s help right now. A burn ban is now in effect across Duval County due to extreme drought conditions and wildfire risk. All open burning is prohibited, Under this burn ban, ALL outdoor open flame burning is prohibited. This means: ❌ NO yard debris burning ❌ NO campfires or bonfires ❌ NO firepit use ❌ NO unattended open flames ✅ This does NOT prohibit outdoor cooking in enclosed grills or smokers. Violations can result in fines: $250 residential $8,000 commercial Even a small flame can spread quickly in these conditions. Let’s work together to keep Duval County safe.

A burn ban is now in effect across Duval County. Effective immediately, the City of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department are prohibiting all open burning, including bonfires, due to extreme wildfire conditions. A National Weather Service Red Flag Warning is in place, and Jacksonville is experiencing its driest conditions since 1872. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index is at 594 out of 800, meaning vegetation across our area is critically dry and ready to ignite. One spark can put lives at stake. The Emergency Operations Center is now at Level 2 activation, focused on wildfire risk and resource coordination. What you can do to help: 🔺 Sign up for ALERTJAX emergency notifications at JaxReady.com/ALERTJAX. 🔺 Clear dry leaves and debris from your roof, gutters, and yard. 🔺 Report smoke or unattended fire immediately by calling 911. For more information, visit JaxReady.com.

This morning at JaxReady Fest, Mayor Donna Deegan presented a proclamation recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, honoring the JFRD Communications Center personnel and telecommunicators across Duval County. From behind the console, they bring calm to chaos, gather critical information, and help ensure every response starts strong. All week long, we’ve highlighted the role they play. Today, we simply say thank you.

Bird season looks a little different here. Engine 74 B Shift rescued a mama duck and her ducklings from a storm drain in eTown today. Firefighter Lowe got the whole crew back in formation. We’re not animal control , but when there’s a moment to help, we take it. 🧡

From all of us at JFRD, happy Easter, Jacksonville. Wishing you a peaceful day with family and friends.

What happens in the first moments of an emergency can define everything that follows. This National Doctors’ Day, we recognize Dr. Brad Elias, whose leadership continues to push emergency medical care forward. From guiding paramedicine to establishing the protocols our responders operate under, Dr. Elias ensures every decision in the field is backed by the highest standard of care. His work has also been instrumental in launching the Mobile Stroke Unit, bringing advanced, time-critical treatment directly to the scene. Because of his leadership, critical care doesn’t start at the hospital. It starts the moment our responders arrive.

Today, we laid Engineer Colton Tibbetts to rest. You could see his impact in the people who came to pay their respects. Colton came from a strong foundation, a family that built a legacy in the fire service, and when it was his turn, he stepped into it with purpose. He worked hard, earned his place, and became someone his crew could rely on. They trusted him because he had their back, and in this profession, that means everything. That is how he will be remembered. Colton, it was an honor.

There are moments when words fall short. Thursday was one of them. As JFRD escorted Engineer Colton Tibbetts home, the entire Northeast Florida community answered in the only way that mattered, by showing up. From St. Johns County to Starke, agencies lined the route in support of Colton, his family, and our department. A silent show of respect that spoke louder than anything we could say. Tomorrow, we will lay him to rest. Today, we remember what it means to stand together. Thank you to all who paused, stood in place, and paid their respects along the way.

This morning, active duty Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Engineer Colton Tibbetts passed away. He was a beloved son, brother, friend, and a dedicated firefighter who served our community with pride. Colton followed in his father Brian’s footsteps when he joined JFRD three years ago. In November, he was promoted to Engineer at just 22 years old, a reflection of his commitment, work ethic, and the firefighter he was becoming. We ask that you keep the Tibbetts family, his crew, and all members of JFRD in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

This afternoon, JFRD crews responded to a fire in the 6600 block of West Beaver Street that quickly escalated from a reported debris fire to multiple vehicles involved. Firefighters established command and worked aggressively to contain the fire while protecting nearby exposures. The response included coordination with the Florida Forest Service due to ongoing drought conditions. The fire was brought under control and all units have since cleared the scene. JFRD: Here for you, one call at a time.

This morning, JFRD was back out on Ionia Street, going door to door. Personnel from JFRD Administration, Prevention and Operations divisions, Fire Station 2, and the American Red Cross of North and Central Florida installed smoke alarms and connected directly with residents. Following a recent fatal fire in the area, crews focused on being present and proactive. They spoke with families about home escape plans, checked existing alarms, and shared simple ways to reduce fire risk. Along the way, they also took time to connect with neighbors of all ages, including giving kids a chance to explore the fire truck up close. JFRD’s community walk program prioritizes direct outreach in neighborhoods where fire risk is elevated, bringing resources to residents where they live. Teams visited 300 homes and installed 33 smoke alarms. If we missed you, free battery-powered smoke alarms are available to qualifying residents through the Mayor’s Home Fire Safety Program. Visit MyJFRD.com to learn more. This is what prevention looks like in action.

The fire service shows up for each other, on and off duty. On Sunday, March 15, Lt. Daryl Cyrus, alongside his family, his Station 31 crew, and JFRD Administration, rang the bell, marking the completion of his chemo treatment. A hard-fought victory, and a reminder that no one stands alone.

As drought conditions continue to impact Duval County, the Florida Forest Service is taking proactive steps to protect our wildland urban interface. That’s where JFRD’s Heavy Equipment Team stepped in. On Thursday, crews worked together in Jacksonville’s Dinsmore area to reduce underbrush using specialized equipment, creating safer conditions and helping slow the spread of future fires. These mitigation efforts play a critical role in protecting homes, neighborhoods, and the responders who serve them.

Heavy smoke was showing when JFRD crews arrived at a home off of Pulaski Rd on Jacksonville’s Northside Saturday evening. Firefighters quickly located a fire burning in the laundry area and went to work stopping it from spreading through the home. During the search, crews located two pets inside the house. Firefighters carried a dog and a cat outside where Rescue personnel from Station 37 immediately began resuscitation efforts. Both pets were treated on scene, made significant improvement, and survived the intense conditions inside the home. This fire originated in the laundry room area, and was most likely caused by an electrical malfunction near the clothes dryer. Dryers are one of the most common sources of house fires. Clean lint traps regularly and never ignore electrical issues around appliances. JFRD: Here for you, one call at a time.

The sound of the pipes and drums didn’t start in Jacksonville, but it lives here. In cities like Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, many Irish immigrants found their place in the fire service and brought their traditions with them. Pipes and drums became part of that legacy. Today, that tradition carries through our city. Whether we’re honoring, remembering, or celebrating, you hear us coming. We bring a little luck when we arrive. Happy St. Patrick’s Day from JFRD. 🍀

Firefighting rarely looks the way it’s dramatized on television. The work is sometimes slow, always deliberate, and often messy. Crews work together methodically through heat, smoke, and water to get the job done. Yesterday, JFRD crews responded to a commercial structure fire at an auto repair facility off McDuff Avenue. Firefighters knocked down the main body of fire, then went to work on the part most people never see. Using thermal imaging cameras, crews checked the structure for heat hiding in the eaves and other concealed spaces. Fire can travel into those voids and sit quietly long after the flames appear to be gone. Finding those hot spots means opening walls, scanning the roofline, and making sure nothing is left behind. It is not work that draws much attention, but it is how firefighters make sure the job is truly done. JFRD: Here for you, one call at a time.

Vehicle fires can escalate quickly. This bystander video shows JFRD crews responding to a car fire along a busy Jacksonville highway Saturday. Engine 32 A Shift arrived on scene and firefighters quickly brought the situation under control. If you encounter a vehicle fire, move away from the vehicle and call 911. Always give emergency crews room to work. JFRD: Here for you, one call at a time.