Englewood Area Fire Control District

Wondering why you smell smoke? It's still smoldering from Monday’s forest fire in Myakka State Forest.
The call came in just after 2 p.m. for a fire in the forest. We responded with North Port Fire and Forestry, and it quickly grew into a multi-jurisdictional response.

About 150 acres of the forest burned, but no structures or homes were affected.
Battalion 7 served as incident command, and along with our crews, there were also units from North Port Fire Rescue, Sarasota County Emergency Services, Charlotte County Public Safety, Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department, and Forestry. The Sarasota County (FL) Sheriff's Office Air 2 was also on scene, dropping water with their Bambi bucket.

By the numbers, the response included: 10 brush trucks, 5 engines, 5 Florida Forest Service dozers, 2 water tankers, and 97 water drops by Air 2.

Our mechanic, Jason Hogan, was also on the scene and made on-site repairs to several pieces of equipment, keeping them in the firefight.

The remnants of the fire will continue to smoke and smolder for several days.

We want to take a minute to shout out Chief Kevin Easton for completing the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program!

The EFO program is one of the fire services' most prestigious achievements, and after two years of dedication, research, and hard work, Chief Easton proudly earned his EFO designation.

He now joins an elite group of fewer than 4,900 EFOs worldwide who have ever received this honor. It's a remarkable distinction that reflects his commitment to excellence and leadership in the fire service.

Earning this accomplishment is the most significant academic accomplishment of his 40-year fire service career, and we couldn't be prouder to call him our Chief!

Please join us in congratulating Chief Easton on this incredible achievement!

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲!

Thank you to all the dads, stepdads, grandpas, and father figures out there.

You show up every single day. You teach us how to be strong, kind, and brave. You fix things, cheer us on, and always make us feel safe.

And a special shoutout to the dads who are working today, especially our firefighter dads! They kissed their kids goodbye this morning and put on their gear so the rest of us could enjoy the day safely. That's what hero dads do. We see you, and we are very grateful.

Happy Father's Day dads! We are lucky to have you.

'sDay

Our probationary firefighters spend a year learning and proving they have what it takes to be part of our team. One of the skills they have to be proficient at is establishing a water supply at a hydrant.

The good news? They are not doing it alone. Our experienced firefighters are right there with them, encouraging them and showing them how to work smarter and faster. That kind of teamwork is what makes a great fire department!

We are proud to watch our probies grow and earn their place beside our veterans.

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐡!

This day means freedom, hope, and a reminder that we're all on this journey together.

As we serve our community, we recognize the importance of honoring our shared history and celebrating the diverse voices, experiences, and contributions that make our community stronger.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our brother, Firefighter/Paramedic Jan A. "Jay" Sanders Jr. of Charlotte County Fire & EMS.

Jay's line-of-duty death is a painful reminder of the sacrifices made not only on the fireground, but sometimes, even long after the alarm sounds.

Those of us who had the honor of knowing and working beside Jay will forever have a hole in our hearts.

We stand in with our Charlotte County Fire & EMS family. Your grief is our grief. Your loss is our loss. The bond between fire departments knows no boundary lines.

Lemon Bay and Englewood Beach always look gorgeous, but read this before you head outside to go to the beach or do yard work.

The heat index, how hot it actually feels outside, is extremely high and is forecast to hit around 105°F - 108°F on Friday in Englewood. That means, even a short time outside, can quickly lead to heat exhaustion and life threatening heat stroke.

Here's how to stay safe: ✅ Drink water ALL day, not just when you're thirsty ✅ Wear light clothes and use sunscreen ✅ Take breaks in the shade or AC ✅ NEVER leave kids or pets in a parked car, not even for a minute ✅ Check on elderly neighbors, they feel the heat more than we do

If someone feels dizzy, stops sweating, or their skin feels hot and dry, call 911 right away.

We live in paradise and we want to make sure you're here and able to enjoy it all summer long. Stay cool out there, Englewood!

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐎𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝!

Heritage Oaks of Englewood invited us to stop by today, and what a visit it was! The staff went all out, decorating the entire lobby with fire-truck balloons and firefighter decorations.

We also got to try some amazing chili from a chili cook-off happening at the facility. Let's just say we did NOT leave hungry! 😄

It was a great afternoon spending time with the residents and the wonderful staff at Heritage Oaks. This is one of the best parts of the job, getting out into the community and connecting with the people we serve. ❤️

Big thanks to everyone at Heritage Oaks for the kind invitation and for making us feel so special!

Sharing some fresh shots from a recent training session where the crews of Engine 72 and Engine 73 hit The Hammocks on Placida Road to practice stretching lines to upper floors in a real residential setting.
This kind of hands-on training is what keeps our crews sharp and ready when it matters most.

Huge thanks again to the management at The Hammocks for making this possible. Your partnership directly supports the safety of our community!