Lee Volunteer Fire Dept

30/05/2026

Our House Rep, Allison Tant, visited the Town of Lee last week. Our Chief, Steven Breckenridge, met with her and chatted. He was able to share with her what's been going on in our department, and our goals for the future. Fun fact: she graduated from the same school in Jacksonville Beach that our secretary/treasurer, Heather, did!

25/05/2026

Help us congratulate our Member-at-large and volunteer, Alan Androski, and his wife, Christy Davis Androski, on their retirement from teaching. We're thankful for their dedication to our community and pray blessings on their next adventure!

14/05/2026

As of 8 am today, the burn ban in Madison County is officially lifted. Please read through this link for info on how to burn responsibly:

Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

07/05/2026

🚨 ALERT: Burn Ban Renewed – Madison County 🚨

The Madison County Burn Ban has been reissued due to continued dry conditions and elevated wildfire risk.

ALL outdoor burning remains prohibited — including debris burning, trash burning, campfires, fire pits, burn barrels, and fireworks.

Agricultural, silvicultural, or land-clearing burns conducted with authorization from the Florida Forest Service, and with proper fire suppression equipment and personnel on site, are exempt from this ban.

Residents may continue to experience smoky conditions from the ongoing Mallory Swamp Fire in neighboring Lafayette County. Smoke levels and fire activity can shift quickly depending on weather and wind conditions. Please use caution outdoors, especially those with respiratory conditions.

Monitor active wildfire conditions across Florida here:
https://ffs.firesponse.com/public/

Please continue to avoid sparks or open flames. Violations may result in fines or legal action.

06/05/2026

We want to reassure our residents that the smoke currently visible across Madison County is 𝗡𝗢𝗧 from any fires within our county. The smoke is drifting in from a wildfire in Lafayette County, along with ongoing fires in South Georgia.

While there is no active fire threat locally, air quality in our area may be affected. Residents are encouraged to limit prolonged outdoor exposure when possible, especially those with respiratory conditions.

Please report to emergency services only if you see active flames or rising plumes of smoke—there is no need to call about general drifting smoke.

27/04/2026

26/04/2026

A couple of sobering articles regarding the severe drought now gripping Florida and other parts of the Southeast. Florida (and its developers) usually take our state's 50-60 inches per year of rainfall for granted - until it's suddenly not there.

First article looks at causes of the drought and its effects:

"Satellite data shows that shallow groundwater aquifers have dried up across the U.S. Southeast during this year's drought. That's because more water has been extracted from these aquifers than usual to irrigate farmland and provide drinking water for people under exceptionally dry conditions.

"In Florida, aquifers are especially dry in the northern and central regions. Aquifers do not immediately recover from drought, because rainfall first has to wet the entire soil column before it can trickle down to replenish groundwater stores."

https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/weather/florida-is-facing-its-most-intense-drought-in-15-years-heres-how-it-got-so-bad-and-how-long-it-will-last

Second article is focused on the current rash of fires raging in Florida - mainly in the central and northern sections of the state where the drought has hit hardest.

Current stats:

As of 7 a.m. April 22, there were 135 active wildfires burning 20,760 acres across Florida.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, between Jan. 1 and April 19 in Florida:

Acres burned: 103,211
Number of wildfires: 1,797

https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/state/2026/04/22/florida-active-wildfires-smoke-road-closures-air-quality-map-drought/89728877007/ #

This drought has been building since last year's hurricane season when no hurricanes made landfall in the U.S. It continued to the present where a ridge of high pressure and sinking air makes rainfall near impossible.

"Florida was unusually dry for much of last year, and many areas have received less than 50% of their normal rainfall since Sept. 1, 2025, according to the National Weather Service."

Whether this is just a hot and dry spell or yet another impact of long-term climate change will probably be sorted out once this drought comes to an end and scientists have a handle on all the numbers. But either way, this drought should be a powerful wake-up call that even a basic resource like water should never be assumed.

25/04/2026

Our department joins the entire fire service community in mourning the loss of Firefighter James "Kevin" Crews. We are heartbroken for his family, his brothers and sisters at Hilliard VFD Station 4, and the whole Nassau County community.
Kevin gave everything in service to others. That is the mark of a true hero, and his sacrifice will not be forgotten.
As wildfires continue to burn across our region, we are reminded daily of the courage it takes to answer this call. We are praying for all who are still on the line, and for all who are grieving tonight.
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." — John 15:13

TOWN OF HILLIARD, FLORIDA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department Announces Line-of-Duty Death of Firefighter

Hilliard, FL — April 24, 2026 — It is with profound sadness that the Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) announces the line-of-duty death of Firefighter James “Kevin” Crews, who passed away on April 23, 2026 following a medical emergency experienced while fighting the Old Dixie Highway Fire just south of Henry Smith Road in Hilliard, Florida.

Crews began his career as a firefighter in Ware County, Georgia, and was a two-year veteran of Hilliard VFD assigned to Station 4. He is remembered by colleagues as a dedicated public servant, well respected by all firefighters, and loved by his community.

"Our department and our community have lost a hero," said Hilliard Volunteer Fire Chief Jerry Johnson. "Kevin was the epitome of courage and dedication. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. We are focused on supporting his family and our personnel during this unimaginably difficult time."

The incident occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m. during brushfire suppression operations on the fifth wildfire to break out in the Hilliard area of Nassau County during the past week. Life-saving measures were immediately provided by on-scene fire rescue personnel. Firefighter Crews was transported to UF Health on New Kings Road for further treatment, but passed away at the hospital at 6:50 p.m.

The Town of Hilliard and Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department are working closely with Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and State investigative agencies to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Funeral and Memorial Information:

Details regarding funeral services and memorial arrangements will be shared as they become available. The family has requested privacy at this time.

About the Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department, Station 4:

The Hilliard VFD, started in 1954, is proudly staffed by 13 trained community volunteers and serves as a local fire department. Station 4 is located at 3794 Pecan Street and works closely with NCFR Station 40 on a daily basis, supporting their wildland fire capabilities with experience and equipment necessary to protect the rural community.

Media Contact:

To allow Hilliard VFD Chief Jerry Johnson time to focus on the Crews’ family and support Station 4 personnel, NCFR Chief Brady Rigdon will serve as their point of contact until further notice. Chief Rigdon can be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or at 904-753-1627.

23/04/2026

Here's some good information on emergency preparadneess

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) | Emergency Preparedness

23/04/2026

All outdoor burning of any kind is prohibited within Madison county

ATTENTION MADISON COUNTY RESIDENTS

A countywide Burn Ban is now effective immediately

What this means:

All outdoor burning of any kind is prohibited within Madison County. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Yard debris burning
• Trash burning
• Agricultural burning
• Campfires and recreational fires
• Any open flame burning outdoors

Violation of the Burn Ban may result in fines and/or arrest.

This order is in place to protect lives, property, and reduce wildfire risk during current hazardous conditions.

Madison County Fire Rescue Thanks you for your continued help in keeping our county safe!