Prescribed Fire Planned in Valkaria for 10/1/2013

(Brevard County, Fla.) - A 100-acre prescribed fire in Valkaria (south of the airport) is planned for Tuesday, October 1, 2013 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Prescribed Fire involves the careful application of fire by professionals under specific weather and fuel conditions in hopes of achieving environmental resource management goals.  Benefits include reduction of wildfire risk, habitat restoration and the recycling of nutrients back into the soil.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Working Commercial Struture Fire in Mims Meat Market

 (Brevard County, Fla.) - A local Mims meat market and grocery store sustained damage today as a result of a fire in the rear of the store.  Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) received notification shortly after 3:50 p.m. that the grocery store on Main Street (S.R. 46) and Taylor Ave was on fire.  

Upon arrival of BCFR firefighters, smoke was visible on the "Charlie side" (rear) of the building.  Crews quickly determined the fire was in a storage area, near a smoker / grill.  E22 deployed a hoseline and went into an offensive strategy, meaning they attacked the fire from inside the structure, in hopes of saving the rest of the building.

E21 established a water supply via a fire hydrant, which closed Taylor Ave from S.R. 46 to Church Street.  The rest of E21's crew conducted a primary search to ensure no employees or customers were inside the store.  Their search was successful and they quickly had an "all clear" on the building, meaning no one was inside.

Additional crews provided the much needed manpower since a significant amount of smoke was in the attic and other void spaces.  Anytime large void spaces (such as "roof overs", attics, or behind walls) exist, the chance for hidden fire lurks.  These additional crews exposed any void spaces to ensure no hidden fire existed.

An additional hoseline was deployed from E22 to provide backup to the fire attack crew.  The fire attack crew was able to knock down the main body of fire within 20 minutes of receiving the 911 call and did an excellent job of saving the rest of the building.

A BCFR fire inspector was called to the scene to aid in determining the cause of the fire, but there were no indications of suspicion.

Members of the Mims Volunteer Fire Department were also on scene to provide additional manpower; the Brevard County Sheriff Office had deputies on scene to assist in traffic control.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Prescribed Burn in Scottsmoor Scheduled for 09/11/2013

(Brevard County, Fla) - A 65-acre prescribed fire within the Scottsmoor Flatwoods Sanctuary is planned for Wednesday, September 11th between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.  The Scottsmoor Flatwoods Sanctuary is located south of SR5A between US1 and I-95 in Scottsmoor.

Prescribed Fire involves the careful application of fire by professionals under specific weather and fuel conditions in hopes of achieving environmental resource management goals.  Benefits include reduction of wildfire risk, habitat restoration and the recycling of nutrients back into the soil

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Barefoot Bay Brush Fire

(Barefoot Bay, Fla) - Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) responded to the area of Honeysuckle Drive in Barefoot Bay for a brush fire.  Upon arrival, crews found a vehicle fire has apparently started a significant brush fire.  The vehicle fire started near the north end of Honeysuckle Dr and caused the 500-foot-wide brush fire to move southwest, towards Wagon Master Trail.  It quickly grew to an estimated 40+ acres, but that was only an initial estimate.

Additional resources were called because of the possibility of structural endangerment.  If the fire continued southwest, 3 homes and 4 occupied stables would have been threatened.  At 6:01 p.m., however, only one structure was endangered.

Because of the size of the fire and limited access, assistance was requested from the Florida Forest Service (FFS).

A resource staging area has been established at Wagon Master Trail and Fleming Grant Road.  The resources were as follows: 9 engines, 3 District Chiefs, 4 water tenders, 11 brush trucks, 2 "dozers" from Florida Forest Service, Brevard County Sheriff Office and several Command Staff Chiefs.

Mutual aid was requested from the following agencies: Palm Bay, Malabar Volunteer Fire, Melbourne, Indian River County, Four Communities Volunteer Fire and Mims Volunteer Fire.

The weather extended its hand in assistance shortly before 7:30 p.m. and allowed the Incident Commander to release most of the resources.

Expect smoldering spots and smoke to remain in the area, but the immediate threat has subsided (7:29 p.m.).

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Lieutenant Slayman Returns to Fire Suppression Duties

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Lieutenant Don Slayman, the previous Public Information Officer for Brevard County Fire Rescue, has returned to normal fire suppression / EMS duties.  Lieutenant Slayman rotated back to the field last month.  BCFR is in the process of finalizing the details in regards to the new Public Information Officer and those details will be shared as soon as they are confirmed.

In the interim, the media may contact Lt. Slayman via email or twitter for any updates, questions, etc.  He may be reached at donald.slayman@BrevardCounty.us

We apologize for any inconveniences during this transition period.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Prescribed Burn in Valkaria for Tuesday, August 13, 2013.

(Brevard County, Fla.) - A 100-acre prescribed fire in Valkaria, south of the airport, is planned for Tuesday, August 13th between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Prescribed fire involves the careful application of fire by professionals under specific weather and fuel conditions to achieve environmental resource management goals.  Benefits include reduction of wildfire risk, habitat restoration and the recycling of nutrients back into the soil.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Home Sustains Serious Fire Damage in Mims

(Brevard County, Fla.) - A Mims home sustained serious damage this morning as a result of fire.  Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) received a phone call around 11:00 p.m. from a resident who said flames were visible inside the home, on the 5100 block of Blounts Ridge Road in Mims.

Upon arrival of firefighters, flames were visible through the roof.  Because everyone was safely out of the home, Brevard County firefighters quickly enacted a defensive attack, meaning they knocked down the flames from outside the structure. 

Once the bulk of the flames were extinguished from the outside, crews were able to safely make entry and put out the rest of the fire.  Extensive overhaul work was needed as the fire was in the attic space.  This called for the need to pull down the ceiling to expose any hidden fire, and ensure there would be no rekindles.

Although much of the home was destroyed, firefighters took special precautions to minimize damage to the owners' memorables.  Firefighters placed some of the salvagable contents under tarps, protecting them from further damage.
 
The incident took more than 25 firefighters approximately 30 minutes to knock down the majority of the flames, and several hours to extinguish the hotspots.

Members of the Mims Volunteer Fire Department and Four Communities Fire Department were also on scene to assist.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.  A BCFR fire inspector, along with a representative from the State Fire Marshal's Office were on scene to investigate the cause.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Man Dead After Driving Lawn Mower into Indian River

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Firefighters and paramedics from Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) responded to a possible drowning this morning around 10:47 a.m.  A home owner on the 5000 block of N Highway 1 in Cocoa called 911 when she saw the man had apparently driven his lawn mower into the river.

The man was found by the Brevard County Sheriff Office (BCSO) and was brought to shore, shortly before arrival of BCFR firefighters.  The man was pronounced dead at the scene.  BCSO will be conducting an investigation as the cause of the fatality. 

The man's identity is being withheld until proper notifications are made.  For additional information, please contact the Brevard County Sheriff Office.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Construction Worker Seriously Injured After Falling Through a Roof

(Brevard County, Fla.) - A 19-year old construction worker was seriously injured today after falling through the ceiling, landing more than 20 feet below onto the concrete floor.  The call occured just before 3:30 p.m. near the 8800 block of Astronaut Blvd near Cape Canaveral. 

The patient's coworkers said he was working on the second floor of a new construction project when he lost his balance, sending him through the ceiling and onto the concrete floor more than 20 feet below.  The patient sustained serious injury, but his injuries are not life-threatening. 

Because of the nature of the incident, a medical helicopter was requested to transport the patient to Orlando's trauma center.  No updates are available as to his current condition.

Brevard County Sheriff Office assisted in setting up a safe "landing zone" for the medical helicopter.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Three Dogs Rescued From Burning Merritt Island Home

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) saved three dogs from a burning home this afternoon on the 700 block of Lakewood Circle in Merritt Island.  BCFR's Engine #42 arrived on scene to find smoke coming from the front of the home.  The crew deployed a hoseline and quickly "knocked down" the flames in less than eight minutes.  

Because of their swift actions, the Brevard County Firefighters were able to rescue the dogs from the burning home and safely place them in the backyard until reunited with their "dog-sitter".  The crews were able to contain the fire to the garage, sparing the interior of the home.  No injuries were reported.

The Florida State Fire Marshal was requested to assist in determining the cause of the blaze.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Two People Seriously Injured After Firework Mishap

(Brevard County, Fla.) - 4800 block of N Highway 1 in Melbourne: Two people were seriously injured following a firework mishap in the Melbourne area last night.  The call came in shortly after 9:00 p.m. to Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) dispatch.  The caller advised a firework discharged on a dock, near a group of people.  The two injured people jumped into the water to get away from the firework, but were assisted out of the water prior to BCFR arrival.

The two injured people, one male and one female, sustained serious injury and were airlifted by medical helicopters to the area's trauma / burn center.  No updates were available as to the patients' current condition.

Brevard County Sheriff Office assisted with traffic control, so the two helicopters could safely land.  

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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New Driving Simulation Lab Will Help Improve Safety

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) received three fire apparatus driving simulators that will be used to create a Driving Simulation Lab.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 23% of firefighter deaths occur during vehicle collisions. 

The three driving simulators were purchased with a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), minimizing the department's cost.  The department will also see recurring cost savings by reducing the number of instructors, fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance; as well as improve safety.

Traditional driver training cannot expose drivers to hazardous situations as failure could result in personnel injuries and vehicle damage.  The simulators provide a safe and realistic driving environment that train drivers how to recognize, anticipate and circumvent hazardous situations.  The end result is improved safety and reduced risk.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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New Patient Simulator Improves Service

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) is receiving a patient simulator to train employees and improve patient care.  The simulator allows paramedics to practice uncommon but critical skills without risk.  Using wireless technology, instructors command the simulator to react to the paramedics' treatments, just as a real patient would.  The simulator will be featured in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training Lab.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Prescribed Fire Planned for 06/25/2013

(Valkaria, Fla.) - A 100-acre prescribed fire will take place Tuesday, June 25th between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.  The burn is being conducted by the Florida Forest Service, with Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) and the Environmentally Endangered Lands Program offering assistance.

Prescribed fire involves the careful application of fire by professionals under specific weather and fuel conditions.  Benefits include reduction of wildfire risk, habitat restoration, and the recycling of nutrients back into the soil.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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High Angle Rescue in Merritt Island - Man Rescued from Rooftop

(Brevard County, Fla) - Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) was called to the 400 block of Ormond Avenue in Merritt Island on Saturday morning to rescue an injured man from the home's roof.

The 25 year old male was operating a saw on the roof of the one-story home when he stepped on a weak portion and fell, sustaining serious injury from the saw.

Truck 41 used their ladder and a "stokes basket" for the elevated rescue operation and had the injured person safely on the ground within 20 minutes.  The successful operation was described by BCFR District Chief Jeff Money as a "quick and efficient operation."

The patient was transported via medical helicopter to the local trauma center with serious injuries.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Engine 47 Attends the Suntree HOA Summer Camp

(Brevard County, Fla) - Brevard County's Engine 47 visited the Suntree HOA Summer Recreation Program and enjoyed spending the morning with the community.  Engine 47's crew was there to show the children the fire truck and provide some much needed relief from Florida's hot summer sun (see picture below).

If you would like to schedule a fire truck display or speaker, please fill out our online form (click here).  Brevard County Fire Rescue offers many community outreach programs and welcomes inquiries from our customers.  We also offer station tours upon request, free of charge.

Suntree HOA Summer Program provides children the opportunity to have summer fun that promotes physical activities and encourages cooperative character building.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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One Seriously Injured After Two Vehicles Collide

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Two vehicles collided in West Cocoa at N. Range Road and Dianne Dr this afternoon.  The two pickup trucks came to rest after they crashed into a concrete wall.  Upon arrival of Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR), one person was seriously injured and required transport by a medical helicopter to the local trauma center.

Cocoa Fire Department assisted in securing a safe "landing zone" for the medical helicopter to land.  Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) was on scene to investigate the cause of the accident.

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

Additional pics available HERE

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Car Veers off Pineda Causeway and Lands in the Water

(Brevard County, Fla.) - A car reportedly veered off the Pineda Causeway and landed in the water.  The incident occurred shortly before 12:30 p.m. and left one occupant, the driver, with minor injuries.  A small fuel leak was associated with the incident.  Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) Hazardous Materials Team was called to evaluate the situation.  Because of the small amount of fuel that entered the waterway, no actions were necessary.  The call was turned over to the US Coast Guard who said they would monitor the situation, but said they did not need to intervene.

BCFR Hazardous Materials Team remained on scene until the vehicle was removed from the water, to ensure no other hazards were present.  The vehicle was safely removed without further incident.  The driver of the vehicle was transported by a BCFR rescue unit for further medical evaluation, but his injuries were described as minor.

Additional pic available at Car into Indian River


By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Overturned Tractor Trailer Closes S.R.3 for Several Hours

(Brevard County, Fla.) - An overturned tractor trailer caused traffic delays after closing S.R.3 for several hours.  The crash occurred yesterday morning (June 13th) on S.R.3 just south of S.R.528 in Merritt Island.  Although the tractor trailer was not carrying any hazardous materials, the vehicle did endure a fuel leak.

A Hazardous Materials (Haz-Mat) Team from Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) was called to the scene to mitigate the leak.  Crews were able to contain the leak to the roadway by constructing a dike from dirt at the scene.  The leak was inaccessible so the Haz-Mat team "pumped off" the remaining fuel.  Pumping off allows crews to move remaining fuel from the leaking tank into a container for proper disposal.  The fuel was confined to the roadway and did not impact any waterways.

Four people were involved in the incident, three of which required transport by ambulance to local hospitals. None of the injuries were life-threatening.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the driver of the tractor trailer was at fault.  Details on the charges are available from FHP.

Additional pictures are available at Brevard Fire Alert pics

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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3 Alarm Commercial Structure Fire at the Space Coast Flea Market

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Fire crews from Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR), along with several other agencies, worked to extinguish a 3-alarm commercial fire early Tuesday morning at the Space Coast Flea Market in Cocoa.  Brevard County Fire Rescue dispatchers received a 911 call shortly before 2:30 a.m. from a caller who stated flames were visible on the walls of the flea market.  The building is located at 5605 N Highway 1 in Cocoa.

BCFR crews arrived just minutes after the alarm and found heavy fire and smoke penetrating the roof of the structure.  Firefighters immediately deployed hoselines to combat the fire.  Because of the intensity of the flames, a defensive strategy was initiated; meaning firefighters attacked the fire from the outside.  A second and third alarm was requested by the first arriving District Chief because of the intense heat and potential for further fire spread.

Four ladder trucks, 12 fire engines, and many more support vehicles delivered approximately 70 firefighters to the scene.  Firefighters battled the intense blaze for nearly two hours before they were able to knockdown the main body of fire.

Fire investigators from BCFR and the State Fire Marshal's Office were on to complete the investigation and interview witnesses.  According to the State Fire Marshal's Office, arson is believed to be the cause of the fire.

No injuries or road closures were reported.  Pics available at Flea Market Pics

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Car Crashes Into Waffle House

(Brevard County, Fla.) - A vehicle crashed into a Waffle House and injured a diner.  Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) responded to the crash shortly before 4:00 a.m. at the restaurant located at S.R. 520 and I-95, in Cocoa.  For an unknown reason, the driver accelerated over the curb and into the restaurant's dining area.  Three patrons were in the immediate area struck by the vehicle, injuring a mother dining with her child.

The mother was transported by a BCFR ambulance to a local hospital, but her injuries are described as not life-threatening.

A Brevard County building inspector was called to the scene to evaluate the safety of the building.  As of 7:00 a.m., Waffle House already had crews on scene to clean up the mess.

Pictures are available at BCFR Pics

By: Lieutenant Don Slayman

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Tropical Storm Andrea Update

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Current Situation Tropical Storm Andrea will reach landfall in/near Apalachee Bay late this afternoon or early evening, then move faster to the northeast into southeast Georgia tonight. As landfall is approached, the most favorable tornado environment will lift north of central Florida. However, the possibility of a trailing rainband may prolong the heavy rain threat for a portion of central Florida.

Tornado WATCH continues for all of east-central Florida (except Volusia County) until 1100 am. The Tornado WATCH will likely be extended for most/all of east-central Florida from late morning into early evening (likely including Volusia County) as wind shear remains favorable for isolated tornadoes and the second rainband moves into the region. Tornado WARNINGS can be issued at any time if radar indicates strong, persistent rotation above ground level.

Projected Impacts

TODAY

·         Lake Wind Advisory in effect for south winds sustained 15-20 mph with gusts 30-35 mph, mainly during times of heavier rain.

·         Scattered showers/storms, along with an isolated tornado threat will continue this morning into mid day, then a stronger rainband with more widespread rain and a greater tornado threat will likely reach the area from around mid day into the afternoon, and may persist into the early evening. 

·         Additional rainfall of 1-3 inches likely, with isolated totals of 3-5 inches, may produce minor flooding. Moderate flooding may occur in a few spots where heavy rains persist.

·         Conditions remain favorable for isolated tornadoes, especially when the next rainband moves into the region this afternoon through early evening.

TONIGHT

·         The most favorable tornado environment is expected to lift north of the region by early evening.

·         Scattered showers and isolated storms may persist well into the evening.

·         One area of concern is the possibility of a rainband trailing south from the Tropical Storm which may persist across a portion of east-central Florida overnight and into early Friday. If this pattern sets-up, a narrow zone of training showers/storms would locally increase the flood threat.

FRIDAY

·         Scattered heavy showers/storms will develop, especially after daytime heating takes place. Typical of the summer, afternoon weather pattern. 

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Driver Backs into Home in West Melbourne

(West Melbourne, Fla.) - Neighbors were surprised to see a car had collided with a home near the 1500 block of Vista Lake Circle in West Melbourne, this morning.  Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) arrived on scene to find a car had backed over an electrical box and came to rest against a home and a natural gas meter.  Crews quickly assessed the driver for injury, secured the vehicle and shut off the gas line.

Florida Power and Light (FPL) was requested to secure power.  FPL says nearly 10 homes were without power due to the accident and didn't have an accurate estimate when power would be restored.

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) was on scene to investigate the accident.  There was no structural damage to the house and no reported injuries.

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Working Structure Fire in Mims

(Mims, Brevard County, Fla.) - A single family home was badly damaged yesterday, June 2.  Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) responded to the early morning blaze on the 4200 block of Aurantia Road in Mims.  A passer-by spotted smoke and flames coming from the home and called 9-1-1.  Crews arrived shortly before 7 am to find flames visible.  Engine 21 quickly deployed a hose-line, extinguished the flames and confirmed no one was inside the home.

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Fatal Car Accident Involving a Pedestrian on I-95

(Brevard County, Fla.) - A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on I-95 northbound, near the 210 mile marker.  The pedestrian was out of the vehicle because of a previous vehicle accident, when they were hit by an oncoming vehicle.  The pedestrian was pronounced by Fire Rescue crews at the scene.

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is on scene to investigate the accident.  Details on the pedestrian are being withheld until proper notifications are made.

One other person was injured and transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

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Plane Makes Emergency Landing at Cocoa Landfill

(Brevard County, Fla.) - A small aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing today at 2250 Adamson Road in Cocoa.  The plane, with 3 passengers on board, landed safely at the Cocoa Landfill, without further incident.  Brevard County Fire Rescue responded to ensure there were no injuries or hazards present.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was contacted and arrangements were made to remove the plane from the Landfill.  No injuries were reported.

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Motorcycle Crash with Injury

(Merritt Island, Brevard County, Fla.) - A motorcyclist sustained injury this morning as he was involved in a crash on SR3.  Brevard County Fire Rescue (#BCFR) arrived on scene to find the 46 year old man was ejected from his motorcycle at SR3 (N Courtenay Pkwy) and King's Manor Lane, in North Merritt Island.

The motorcyclist was traveling north on SR3 passing the King's Manor Lane intersection when the accident occurred.  On-scene crews described the incident as a "T-bone" type collision.  The vehicles came to a stop in the median and although traffic was delayed, no lane blockage was reported.

The man was transported via medical helicopter to the local trauma center.  No other injuries were reported.  Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is on scene and will investigate the cause of the accident.

Brevard County Fire Rescue Lifeguard Helps 'Disoriented' Shark

(Brevard County, Fla.) - A lifeguard from Brevard County Fire Rescue's (BCFR) Ocean Rescue helped a "disoriented" shark over the weekend.  The shark was stuck in shallow water, but the BCFR lifeguard helped it deeper waters.

For the safety of both the gathering crowd and the shark, the lifeguard moved the shark farther offshore and into deeper waters.  The lifeguard has experience with alligators and has helped sharks in the past.

For the complete story visit http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/brevard-lifeguard-helps-disoriented-shark-was-too-/nXw7K/

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Brevard County Fire Rescue / Palm Bay Partnership Promises Most Efficient Delivery of Emergency Services

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Fire and Emergency Medical Services in Palm Bay and South Brevard County will soon benefit from a new partnership designed to deliver the most efficient level of service to residents and will give the citizens of southwest Palm Bay a long awaited new fire station in their community.  On Tuesday, May 14^th, the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners approved an inter-agency agreement that allows each department’s resources to co-locate within each agency’s fire stations.  The Palm Bay City Council approved the agreement on April 18th.  The co-location allows the agencies to work together seamlessly while improving both the level of service and response times.

According to Brevard County Fire Chief Larry Collins, “Shrinking budgets and demands for increased service affect both departments. This sort of innovative thinking, however, demonstrates the agencies’ commitment to operating safely, effectively and efficiently, to the benefit of the citizens of both communities.”

The agreement stems from Harris Corporation’s decision to expand its Palm Bay Road facility.  The expansion encompasses the current site of Brevard County Fire-Rescue (BCFR) Station-84 which has created the need to relocate that facility.  The relocation requires BCFR to move several units.  As a result BCFR Station 84 will move to Palm Bay Fire-Rescue (PBFR) Station 1 which is located at 1201 Port Malabar Blvd., NE.  BCFR’S Rescue-85 will move to PBFR Station 2; and Palm Bay’s Engine 6 will move to BCFR Station 89 which will also become PBFR Station 6.  The new locations will place the emergency units closest to areas of higher call volume, providing for improved response times.

“This agreement creates efficient government and allows us to deliver the best service possible using all available resources,” said Palm Bay Fire Chief Jim Stables.  “The citizens in the southwest portion of the city will benefit the most by getting a new station with full response capability right in the heart of their community where it is most needed.”

BCFR Station 60 currently shares a similar co-location agreement with Cape Canaveral, as does BCFR Station 45 and Rockledge.

The changes will be implemented over the course of the next several months.

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Commercial Structure Fire on Merritt Island

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Brevard County Fire Rescue responded to a fire at a Merritt Island office building this morning (1300 block of N Courtenay Pkwy).  Crews were initially called to an activated fire alarm.  Upon arrival, a building representative told crews there was smoke on the second floor.  After calling for additional resources, crews reported to the second floor to investigate the cause of the smoke.

Truck Company #41 pulled a hose line to the second floor to search for the fire.  They quickly extinguished the flames and contained the damage to the room of origin.  The additional crews used powerful fans to ventilate the smoke from the building to minimize any further damage.

The office building's employees were allowed to return to work as soon as fire crews determined there were no more hazards.  No injuries were reported.

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Methamphetamine Lab Found in Port St John

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Brevard County Fire Rescue's Hazardous Materials Unit responded to a home that was believed to be making methamphetamine.  The Haz-Mat unit was requested by the Brevard County Sheriff Office Methamphetamine Suppression Unit as part of their joint effort to confirm suspected meth labs and remove any hazards.

The 5400 block of Holden Road in Port St John was shut down during the operation.  Once Haz-Mat crews made access to the residence, they were able to confirm the home was being used as an active Methamphetamine Lab.

Two people were transported by ambulance to local hospitals for evaluation.

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Prescribed Fire in Grant-Valkaria

(Valkaria, Fla) - A 150-acre prescribed fire in the Grant-Valkaria area is planned for today (May 16, 2013).  The burn is being conducted by the Florida Forest Service and Brevard's Environmentally Endangered Lands Program (EEL).

Prescribed fire involves the careful application of fire by professional burn managers under specific weather and fuel conditions.  The process is aligned with specific environmental resource management goals.

Benefits include the reduction of wildfire risk, habitat restoration and recycling of nutrients back into the soil.

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Kitchen fire forces evacuation of Melbourne apartment building

(Brevard County, Fla) - A late night kitchen fire forced the evacuation of an apartment complex in Melbourne.  Brevard County Fire Rescue received the call just after 9:30 p.m. last night (May 13, 2013) and arrived on scene to find the fire sprinkler system had contained a kitchen fire on the third floor.

Crews quickly prevented further fire spread, removed the smoke and shut off the flowing sprinkler heads.  The building's residents were temporarily displaced, but returned to their homes that evening.  The apartment's management has moved the residents of the involved units into vacant apartments, so the need for Red Cross assistance was not necessary.

The incident prompted a response of nearly 30 firefighters.  No injuries were reported.