​MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Fire Marshal’s Office wants everyone to have a fun and, most importantly, a safe 4th of July week. Please leave fireworks displays to the professionals.
 
“Discharge of fireworks can lead to loss of life and property,” said Monroe County Fire Marshal Craig Marston. “Fireworks can burn as hot as 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, including sparklers, which can cause real damage when not handled properly.”
 
All professional fireworks in unincorporated Monroe County must be permitted through the Monroe County Fire Marshal’s Office. The Fire Marshal’s Office approved the following fireworks displays in unincorporated Monroe County (all times are approximate):

• July 3 - Big Pine Key Community Park at 9 p.m.
• July 4 - Hawks Cay Resort at Duck Key at 9 p.m.
• July 4 - Bungalows Key Largo Resort at 10 p.m.
• July 4 - Sundowners in Key Largo at 9:15 p.m.
• July 4 - Ocean Reef Club at 8:30 p.m.

 
There are additional displays in some municipalities.
 
**If you live near fireworks shows, you may want to soothe your pets and keep them indoors.
 
Here are a few ideas provided by the National Fire Prevention Association to get into the patriotic spirit without fireworks:
1. Glow sticks: A safe alternative to a sparkler.
2. Noisemakers: Make your own if you can’t find any.
3. Outdoor movie night: Set up a screen and projector.
4. Make a patriotic craft with the family.
5. Throw a birthday party for the USA, and don’t forget the cake.
For more information on fireworks permitting, please visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/fireworks. Monroe County also lists other permitted fireworks displays on this page for reference, including for special events like weddings.
As a reminder, Monroe County government offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, and will reopen for regular business on Monday morning. 

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) will host five “Beat the Heat” events this summer at different locations throughout the Florida Keys. MCFR will be providing a gentle stream of misting water for children of all ages to enjoy in a safe and fun environment. It is a great way to meet your neighborhood firefighters, learn about fire prevention, and cool off from the summer heat. Children are encouraged to wear a bathing suit and water shoes, and bring a bottle of water and a towel. The events take place on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m.

• May 31 - Tavernier, Harry Harris Park
• June 7 - Layton Community Baptist Church
• June 14 - Big Pine Key Community Park
• June 21 - Sugarloaf School
• June 28 - Stock Island, Bernstein Park

 
“These events are some of our favorite community outreach programs for kids where they get to come out and meet our firefighters and play in the water,” said Fire Marshal Craig Marston. “It’s a great way for the children to learn summer safety tips and have fun at the same time.”
 
For more information, please call Monroe County Fire Rescue at 305-289-6005. These events are subject to cancellation due to inclement or threatening weather.

 MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners congratulates Ryan Devitt on his recent promotion to Monroe County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief of Training. He began his career with Monroe County Fire Rescue in 2011 after volunteering at the Big Pine Key Volunteer Fire Department, attending the Coral Springs Fire Academy, and completing his EMT and Paramedic certifications from the American Medical Academy.
 
During his career, he worked at every fire station in Monroe County and assisted with cleanup efforts after Hurricane Irma. He has been working as a training officer at the Joe London Fire Academy since 2022, with several certifications including Fire Officer III and Instructor II.
 
“I carry not just a title, but the trust of those I lead — and with that, the responsibility to lead with integrity, courage, and heart,” said Devitt. “I remain committed to prioritizing safety and ensuring our training evolves to meet the demands of the ever-changing fire service."

BIG PINE KEY, FL— Monroe County Fire Rescue, the Florida Forest Service, and the U.S. National Weather Service Key West Florida are co-hosting Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on May 3 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Big Pine Key Community Park, 31009 Atlantis Drive. These organizations partner with the National Fire Protection Association to promote simple tips to protect your home and community from wildfires.

Preparation tips include planning two ways out of your neighborhood and clearing pine needles, leaves, and other debris from roofs, gutters, and decks. Disposal of lawn cuttings can reduce fuel for wildfire as well as keeping your lawns mowed and hydrated.

The event will have free fire prevention materials and snow cones. Children can put out a house fire, tour a fire truck, and meet firefighters and forest rangers.
 
“The previous wildfires that impacted our county have shown that prevention is a key factor, especially in more rural areas,” said Monroe County Fire Chief RL Colina. “The steps taken in preparing yourself, your family, and your homes for potential hazards help create informed citizens and better outcomes for the entire community in emergencies.”

MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners honors and recognizes the long-standing leadership and accomplishments made by retiring Fire Chief James “Jim” Callahan, who enabled Monroe County Fire Rescue to become the professional organization that it is today for the Florida Keys community.
 
Over the years, Callahan worked with the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority to increase the number of fire hydrants for fire suppression, increased staffing levels to meet the state’s minimum standards, and worked with project management to rebuild the fire stations in Conch Key, Stock Island, Big Pine, and Cudjoe Key and make renovations to Tavernier, Layton, and Sugarloaf.
 
In partnership with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Callahan included flight paramedics and flight nurses on the Trauma Star air ambulance service to assist with critical patient care during helicopter transports. He also consolidated airport fire services by giving Key West International Airport firefighters access to state-mandated training and logistics to handle medical calls and other emergencies better.
 
Callahan established a Fire Prevention Division with a dedicated fire marshal and added deputy fire marshals to handle building plan reviews, construction inspections, commercial fire inspections, and public education. He has also enhanced the Training Division with additional personnel and facilitated a state-of-the-art training facility to develop Florida Keys individuals into licensed professional firefighters and emergency medical technicians in coordination with the College of the Florida Keys.
 
In addition, the ‘Hot Shots’ program, which has now graduated seven classes, is a program he launched.
 
During his recognition, with staff wearing his signature mustachio, he said these milestones were not accomplished only by him but by community support, the Board of County Commissioners, the county administrator, and his dedicated fire rescue staff.

BIG COPPITT KEY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue is hosting its annual Easter egg hunt on Tuesday, April 15 at 6 p.m. at the Big Coppitt Fire Station, 28 Emerald Drive. The Easter Bunny will be on-site for pictures after hiding thousands of eggs and one “special” golden egg for kids to find.
 
Children can tour a fire truck, meet on-duty firefighters, and safely help firefighters put out a pretend house fire. Snow cones and fire prevention material will be available. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm will also be in attendance.
 
“This is our fifteenth year hosting this event, and our firefighters look forward to seeing the kids enjoy the hunt every year,” said Fire Chief RL Colina. “Please join our firefighters and the Easter Bunny to hunt for eggs and learn more about fire safety.”
 
For more information, call 305-289-6005 or email [email protected].

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Emergency Management, along with its partners throughout the Florida Keys and south Miami-Dade, have been monitoring the resource needs due to the fire affecting Card Sound Road and the 18-Mile Stretch (U.S. 1). The lead agencies for this incident are Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service. It is being referred to officially as the 344 Fire. 
 
At this time, Card Sound Road remains closed, and while the 18-Mile Stretch is open, there will continue to be the need for possible closures to make the necessary firefighting missions successful. 
 
As of now, there are no unmet needs from our partners. 
 
Travelers need to be prepared for periodic closures and plan accordingly for potential lengthy stops and heavy delays over the next few days. The forest service has urged people to avoid the area if at all possible. 
 
Right now, there are no changes to garbage service in the Upper Keys, but should additional closures happen overnight, an announcement will be made in the morning to let residents know of any changes. 
 
According to the forestry officials, the fire has burned 24,000 acres as of earlier today, and 30 percent of the fire is contained. Officials have also ordered additional water tankers to be on the scene tomorrow. 
 
Please do not fly any drones in the area, as this will immediately stop aerial firefighting missions. 
 
Florida Keys emergency services have not been impacted by the fires on the mainland, and Trauma Star continues to operate without concern for critical transport. 
 
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office regularly updates its app and social media with the latest openings and closures. Please download their app from the Apple or Google Play store, and find them on Facebook at MCSO - Florida Keys. You can also find information on road closures and webcams at fl511.com. 
 
Due to low humidity and gusting winds, please avoid anything that might ignite a fire, including outdoor burnings, discarding cigarettes, and dragging trailer chains.

​MONROE COUNTY, FL –  Today, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners swore in Monroe County Fire Rescue Chief Rene Luis “RL” Colina, and his wife Stephanie pinned him. Colina has led the organization since his January Board of County Commissioners confirmation.
 
Colina started with Monroe County in February 2020 as a battalion chief and fire marshal and became deputy chief in August 2021. Before coming to Monroe County, he worked for the Apopka (Florida) Fire Department, starting in 1997. Many of his colleagues, who he has worked with over the years from across the state, joined him this morning at the ceremony along with his family. He has a Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Medical Services from the University of Florida and numerous certifications from the Florida State Fire College and the National Fire Academy. 
 
“It is an honor to serve the communities within Monroe County as its fire chief,” said Colina. “I stand proudly with our Monroe County Fire Rescue members in providing exceptional life-saving services.”

​MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners proudly helped Fire Chief R.L. Colina welcome and swear in 11 new firefighters to Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR). The newly sworn-in firefighters gave their oaths to support and uphold MCFR’s mission and were given their official badges by members of their families.
 
Please welcome: FF/EMT Juan Vigueras, FF/EMT Rolando Avila, FF/EMT Gavin Gonzalez, FF/EMT Andres Bianco, FF/EMT Jean Joseph, FF/PM Yosvany Lorenzo, FF/PM Jorge Yohay, FF/EMT Alexander Rodriguez, FF/EMT Henry Santana, FF/EMT Cole McDaniel and FF/PM Rogelio Medina.
 
Here are some details on the new hires:
 
FF/EMT Juan Vigueras received his fire certificate from Miami Dade College. He is excited to be a part of MCFR and loves the Florida Keys for its fishing. “Now that I’ve been given this opportunity to work in Monroe County, I most look forward to the relationships I’ll make with the crews moving forward and the lifelong commitment to protecting and servicing the Florida Keys,” he said.
 
FF/EMT Rolando Avila went to Fire Academy at Barry University and enjoys spending time on the water and in the woods up north. “I am most excited about being able to serve the community since I practically grew up down here; it’s my second home,” he said. “I plan to learn something new daily and apply my skills when needed.”
 
FF/EMT Gavin Gonzalez went to South Dade High School and is a graduate of Monroe County’s “Hot Shots” program. He is also a dad to a 4-year-old son and has a daughter due in February. The tragic 9/11 triggered his interest in becoming a professional firefighter. “I am truly excited to serve the citizens of Monroe County and form bonds with my fellow firefighters,” he said.
 
FF/EMT Andres Bianco went to Florida International University and was fire-certified by Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety. In his free time, he coaches lacrosse/basketball. “I was drawn to Monroe County when I received my Diver Medic Technician and loved the community atmosphere and all the great things I have heard about the department,” he said.
 
FF/EMT Jean Joseph went to Broward Fire Academy. He previously worked at Mariner’s Hospital, where he routinely interacted with Monroe County firefighters. “I saw how professional and respectful the firefighters were to everyone, and that was very humbling to me,” he said. “I am ready to work hard and save lives.”
 
FF/PM Yosvany Lorenzo completed his EMT/Paramedic degree at American Medical Academy and was in Monroe County’s Hot Shots program. “The Florida Keys have always been like home, and I’m grateful to give back and help the community,” he said.
 
FF/PM Jorge Yohay attended Fire Academy at Miami Dade College. In his spare time, he likes to fish and play soccer. “I was drawn to MCFR because I have always looked up to firefighters and the way they hold themselves to a high standard,” he said. 
 
FF/EMT Alexander Rodriguez attended Miami Dade College, and credits his family as being his inspiration since his father is a firefighter and his mother is a high school teacher. “My love for firefighting and admiration for the Florida Keys made this position with MCFR the perfect fit,” he said. “I’m incredibly thrilled to join such a remarkable department and serve this amazing county alongside a team that values dedication, teamwork, and making a difference in the community.”
 
FF/EMT Henry Santana attended Barry University for his fire certification and is a dad to a 2-year-old girl. After completing his EMT certification and enrolling in paramedic school, he began searching for a department with the right feeling and waited for an opening at MCFR. “I’m excited to grow my skills in EMS and fire and be a part of the Monroe County community,” he said. “Being someone who enjoys the outdoors, I can’t think of a better place to work than the Florida Keys.”
 
FF/EMT Cole McDaniel was raised on Big Pine Key. He graduated from Marathon High School and College of the Florida Keys and went through the County’s “Hot Shots” program. “My grandfather was a volunteer firefighter on Big Pine over 50 years ago and fought the local famous Big Pine Inn fire,” he said. “Monroe County Fire Rescue has helped my family in times of need, and as a local, I wanted to give back to my community. I’m most excited about pursuing a lifelong career in helping others.”
 
FF/PM Rogelio Medina attended Miami Dade College for EMT, Paramedic, and Fire Academy. He comes from a family dedicated to helping others; his mother is a teacher, and his brother is a police officer. He previously worked for a department in North Florida and is excited to be closer to home. “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and am ready to protect our community,” he said.