Flagler Beach Fire Department

5/14/10 - Flagler County is coming together for one of our own. Flagler County Firefighter/Paramedic Ransford Jones is currently in critical condition fighting for his life after a brain aneurysm. We are asking anyone who can come together to show support for the family to please do so via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contacting Station 11 at 386-517-2010.

Ranse, a firefighter in Flagler County, suffered a brain aneurysm while playing late Saturday afternoon behind Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant and is in the surgical intensive care unit at BMC on life support, said family spokesman and firefighter’s Local 4337 union president Richard Bennett on Monday.

Jones, 34, underwent a four-hour surgery Saturday night to relieve pressure on his brain.

Jones is ranked 66th by AVP and has played in 21 AVP tour events since 2000. He also has competed in local AVP tournaments, on the Qualifier Tour and in Young Guns events.

Bennett called Jones’ aneurysm a “terrible shock to everybody,” because Jones was in “very good shape.” Bennett, who also is Jones’ lieutenant, said Jones doesn’t smoke, rarely drinks and was in good health.

Bennett said firefighters around the state have begun to express their support through various ways of assistance. Neel Bennett, the developer of Towne of Seahaven, which includes Sharky’s, opened an account at Coastal Community Bank for donations to help Jones’ family.The bank information is below:

4/27/10 - The Flagler Beach Fire Department wishes a speedy recovery to Flagler County Fire Rescue Lieutenant Fred McCree who was injured Sunday, April 25th while responding to a brush fire in Western Flagler County. Lieutenant McCree was operating Woods 51 when the wildland tanker rolled, causing Lieutenant McCree to break his wrist as well as recieve many cuts and bruises. Thanksfully, he is lucky to have walked away from the crash alive. We wish Lieutenant McCree a fast recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the road soon!

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12/9/09 - Each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 people, injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.

11/30/09 -On Monday, November 30th, members from Station 11 assembled at the station to put together over 1,000 bags of goodies for the children at the Christmas Parade. Bags includes Frisbees, pencils, drinking cups, lollipops and various stickers. Thanks to the paid personnel and volunteer personnel who assisted in this large task.

11/17/09 -It is with deep sadness that Flagler County Sheriff Donald W. Fleming announces the passing of Capt. Grady Prather, the longest serving deputy in the history of the sheriff's office.

Capt. Prather, who retired on January 31, 2008, died at his West Flagler County home Tuesday evening, surrounded by his devoted family.

"This is a very sad time for everyone in this agency and this community. Capt. Prather touched thousands of lives in his 32 years of law enforcement service in Flagler County," said Sheriff Fleming.

A memorial service is set for Friday, November 20, 2009, at 10 a.m. at Herschel King Park off Colbert Lane. Due to limited space, the boating and fishing public are being asked to avoid the park Friday morning.

Herschel King Park was a special place for Capt. Prather who headed up the Marine Patrol Division of the Sheriff's Office. He was married there, operated his agency boat from there, and was toasted at his retirement party there.

Capt. Prather started his law enforcement career on October 1, 1975, as a dispatcher with the Sheriff's Office. He later transferred to the road patrol division where he moved up through the ranks until reaching captain. For many years, Capt. Prather was the agency's only certified diver. He created the FCSO Marine Patrol and Dive Division which remains a vital part of the agency.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Capt. Prather's name for a scholarship fund. Checks should be payable to the FCSO Sunshine Fund, c/o Flagler County Sheriff's Office, 1001 Justice Lane, Bunnell, Fl 32110.

10/31/09 - With the upcoming need to turn your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 1st, the Flagler Beach Fire Department wants to remind everyone to be sure to change the batteries in their smoke detectors throughout their homes.  Smoke detectors are one of the cheapest ways to protect your family in the event of a fire.  But that protection is only possible when the smoke detector units are kept in proper working order, and when everyone in your family knows what the smoke detector sounds like and how they should respond.

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7/24/09 - The Flagler Beach Fire Department took delivery of a new TNT Rescue Systems Hydraulic Extrication System. This system consists of hydraulic cutters, spreaders, twin hydraulic pump, 20",30" and 50" hydraulic rams, hydraulic lines and an accessory kit valued at approximately $22,000.00. This system was acquired at no cost to the City of Flagler Beach through FEMA's Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP).

3/26/09 - Visible light drift smoke and smoke odor may be noted throughout Flagler County during the next few days, especially during the late night and early morning hours.

This is due to southerly wind flow that may bring up smoke from 1,000 acre and larger wildfires in Volusia County.

Please do not call 911 unless you see flames or a defined smoke column.

3/23/09 - Fire crews evacuated people from 15 homes and moved a few horses to safety Sunday when a brush fire near U.S. Highway 1 and state Road 206 grew from 20 to 300 acres in just a few hours.

"It got really black," one resident said. "The next thing I know ... this place was crawling with fire trucks, police cars, and paramedics."

SJC Fire-Rescue spokesman Jeremy Robshaw said some natural firebreaks in the area combined with some light rain overnight allowed crews to get a leg up on the fire. It was considered 100 percent contained Monday morning, although crews were continuing to watch hot spots to make sure the fire did not flare up again.

While no homes or structures were in immediate danger, dry conditions and winds averaging 15 mph prompted officials to move the people and some horses out as a precaution on Sunday afternoon.

"We watched it spread and spread and spread," one evacuee told Channel 4's Jim Piggott. "When they told us to get out, we said 'We really want to stay,' and they said, 'No, you're going.'"

The American Red Cross opened a shelter at the Grace Point Church on U.S. 1, but only two families took advantage of it. Most stayed with friends until they got the all-clear to return to their homes.

Firefighters were still investigating what started the fire.
Article from News4jax.com last updated 3/23/09 @ 3:51pm

3/20/09 - The National Weather Service has advised that rip currents will become dangerous over the next few days due to increasing waves and winds along the coast.

Rip currents are responsible for more deaths along Florida beaches than all other incidents combined. If going to the beach, do not enter the ocean during hazardous conditions.

If caught in a rip current, signal for help then swim parallel to the beach to escape the current. Once free from the current, swim at an angle away from the current back to the beach.

Remember: “If in doubt, do not go out.” For more tips on rip current safety and the current surf zone forecast, please see the links below.

For more information on how to get free of a rip current, click here.
For a Surf Zone Forecast from the NWS, click here.

3/18/09 - With little or no rain in the forecast and fire conditions getting worse, Flagler County’s burn ban is still in effect.

The ban prohibits open burning, using open fire pits or containers, parking vehicles with catalytic converters in high grass areas and throwing matches or cigarettes for vehicles. The law stipulates a warning on the first offense and a $500 fine or 60 days in the County Jail on the second offense.

The ban outlaws all campfires and outdoor burning; however, it does not ban the use of barbecue grills. Under Florida law, the emergency declaration by the Flagler County Commission applies to all county residents whether they live in a city or unincorporated areas of the county.

Conditions continue to be troublesome. The county issued the ban in December when the drought hit 547. As of Thursday March 12 the index in Flagler County is 672 with 98 percent of the county above 600 on the drought index. The ban is renewed every seven days as conditions persist and is expected to be continued until conditions change.

The drought index, which goes by the name of the Keetch Byram scale, is a tool used by the Division of Forestry. It rates the conditions from 0 to 800 with 0 being totally saturated in precipitation and 800 being desert-like conditions.

County and city fire officials are calling for area residents to be very careful during this period of dry weather. Residents who spot a fire should call 911 immediately.

3/18/09 - The city's most iconic symbol -- the Flagler Beach Pier -- was closed Tuesday afternoon after an engineer determined the structure poses a danger to the public.

Some of the pier's pilings -- which make up its foundation -- washed away in rough surf over the past months, said Libby Kania, assistant to the interim city manager. Another two or three washed away over the weekend, prompting officials to call in a structural engineer to look it over.

"At first, it was one or two (pilings)," she said. "But now, it's much more significantly damaged."

The structural engineer determined that although the pier is "not in imminent danger of failing, it's somewhat dangerous," Flagler Beach Fire Chief Martin Roberts said.

The Flagler Beach Pier, built in 1928, lost 144 feet that formed the top of its "T-shape" to Hurricane Frances in 2004. The pier -- at one time 1,000 feet long -- now stretches about 800 feet. The Pier Restaurant, which sits at the entrance of the pier on State Road A1A, is not affected by the pier's closing because the damage is beyond the restaurant's location, Kania said.

The pier is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, especially fishermen. But visitors must refrain from coming to the pier while it's closed indefinitely, Kania said.

"Our No. 1 responsibility is the safety of our citizens," she said. "Hopefully, (the pier's closing) will be shorter than longer."
*Source - Daytona Beach News Journal

3/14/09 - On Saturday, March 14th "C-Shift" was requested for the grand opening at CVS Pharmacy located on State Road 100 at John Anderson Highway. Engine 11 attended with Firefighter/EMT David Lawrence and Driver Engineer Brandon Seymour. The kids loved the engine and the crew stood by for a couple of hours showing local residents the equipment we carry and talking to them about the job we do. Shift crews regularly make public appearances educating kids and adults alike about the fire service both as a career and how their tax dollars are spent locally.

FF/EMT David Lawrence talks to children about fire safety

3/13/09 - A county-wide ban on outdoor burning was issued December 17, 2008 continues to be in effect. The ban outlaws open burning, the use of open fire pits and containers; parking vehicles with catalytic converters in high grassy areas and throwing matches or cigarettes from vehicles.

The law provides for a warning on the first offense and a $500 fine or 60 days in the County Jail on the second offense.

DOF controlled burns are not affected by this burn ban.

The ban outlaws campfires, and all outdoor burning, but stops short of banning the use of barbecue grills. The ban, provided under state law, declares a local state of emergency and affects all county residents whether they live in a city or in the unincorporated areas of the county.

The drought index continues to climb and is now approaching 670. Extreme dry conditions exist countywide continuing the high wildfire threat.

The drought index is a tool used by the Division of Forestry. It is called the Keetch Byram scale. It is rated from 0 to 800 with 0 being totally saturated and 800 being desert-like conditions.

Fire officials are requesting residents to be very careful during this period of dry weather. Residents who spot a wildfire should call 911 immediately.