Monroe County Fire Rescue - Florida Keys

10/06/2026

Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association, the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety, Safe Charging Is a Superpower.” The campaign aims to educate children about the potential dangers of lithium-ion batteries and teach them how to play an active role in staying safe when using or charging everyday devices.

MCFR will conduct outreach programs from Oct. 5-9 in six schools and daycares within Monroe County Fire Rescue’s jurisdiction. The firefighters will teach children about fire prevention and safety tips, give them tours of the fire trucks, and introduce them to a fan favorite, Sparky the Fire Dog.

“Lithium-ion batteries are in so many devices that we use every day,” said Fire Chief R.L. Colina. “Monroe County Fire Rescue is highlighting safe handling and awareness that these batteries can overheat, start a fire, or explode.”

Mayor Michelle Lincoln will be officially proclaiming Fire Prevention Week 2026 at the Oct. 21 Board of County Commissioners’ meeting.

Some lithium-ion battery safety tips:
• Purchase batteries that are only listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and labeled accordingly.
• Stop charging a battery once it is full.
• Use charging equipment that is only compatible with your device. To be safe, use only the charging equipment that is supplied with your device.
• Stop using your device if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odor, excessive heat, popping sounds, swelling, or change in color.
• Lithium-ion batteries should not go in household garbage or recycling bins. Take the batteries to separate recycling or household hazardous waste collection points. Locally, you can bring them to transfer stations. The Home Depot also has a recycling box for smaller items, like tools. To find the transfer station or collection dates nearest you, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/solidwaste or, if in Key West, visit www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/366.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit www.fpw.org. For more information on MCFR, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/firerescue.

10/06/2026

A very special thank you to Firefighter/Paramedic Mia Anderson for five years of dedicated service to Monroe County Fire Rescue and the community!

Anderson serves on A Shift at Station 8, proudly serving the Stock Island area.

“Looking back on the last five years, I’m beyond thankful to this community and my department for making this feel like so much more than a job. I’ve spent the majority of my career serving Stock Island, and while the job might not always be easy, I’m grateful to be one of the people who gets to do it and make a difference. I’m also grateful to get to do this job alongside people who have become more like family than coworkers. Five years in, and I’m proud of what I’ve been a part of and excited for what’s still ahead,” said Anderson.

Thank you, Mia, for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to serving Stock Island and the Monroe County community.

Pictured left: FF/PM Anderson and Chief Johnson

10/02/2026

A very special thank you to Flight Nurse Yanet Leal Concepcion for five years of dedicated service to Monroe County Fire Rescue and the community!

As a Flight Nurse on Trauma Star, Yanet plays a vital role in providing critical care when every second matters. Her dedication, heart, skill, and commitment make a difference for patients and families during some of their most challenging moments.

“I live blessed and proud to be part of the team that responds when chaos takes over,” said Leal Concepcion.

Pictured left: Yanet Leal Concepcion with EMS & Air Medical Manager Jeff Lauraitis

09/23/2026

Monroe County resident and legendary football coach Jimmy Johnson stopped by the Trauma Star hanger yesterday afternoon after spending some time with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). Coach Johnson met with Monroe County Fire Rescue Chief R.L. Colina and Deputy Chief Mark Hemeyer and got an up-close look at the Trauma Star helicopters and the lifesaving work of the program. 🚁

09/21/2026

Monroe County Fire Rescue responded to Stock Island (county-side) for a residential structure fire this morning affecting two townhomes and two families. Station 8 crews located a 12-year-old girl on the third floor and removed her from the house. She is in stable condition and was transported to Lower Keys Medical Center. Key West Fire Department and Monroe County Sheriff's Office also responded. Monroe County Fire Marshal is on scene and the state fire marshal will be investigating the incident.

“I’m proud of the swift, professional response by our firefighters and the first responders who worked together at the scene,” said Chief R.L. Colina. “Their coordination and immediate actions made a difference during a very difficult situation."

09/18/2026

The Monroe County Fire Marshal’s Office has approved a firework display offshore from Little Palm Island tomorrow, September 18 at approximately 9:00pm. The display will run for approximately 7 minutes.

For more information on fireworks permitting, please visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/fireworks. Monroe County lists permitted fireworks displays in unincorporated Monroe County on this page for reference. Permits can be issued for special events such as weddings or other celebrations. **If you live in the vicinity of any firework shows, you may want to soothe your pets and keep them indoors.

09/16/2026

🔥🥒 Fire in the Kitchen Pickleball Tournament 🥒🔥
Don’t forget to sign up for the Fire in the Kitchen Pickleball Tournament on November 7 in Key Largo!

🗓 Registration deadline: October 16

Interested in sponsoring? We’d love to partner with local businesses!
📞 Contact Mary Moeller at 305-304-0707 for sponsorship opportunities.

Thank you—we can’t wait to see you on the courts! 🏓💥

09/16/2026

Monroe County Fire Rescue’s Battalion Chief Johnson ,left, proudly presented Lieutenant Art Aulet with a Phoenix Award in recognition of his lifesaving actions during an emergency.

Named after the mythical phoenix, a bird that rises from the ashes unscathed, the Phoenix Award is presented to first responders who successfully restore life to a patient who is able to return to a similar quality of life.

Aulet’s skill, dedication, and commitment to patient care exemplify the very best of Monroe County Fire Rescue and the lifesaving difference our first responders make every day.

09/15/2026

09/14/2026

Monroe County Fire Rescue’s Training Captain Eitel proudly presented Lieutenant Brad Baird with two Phoenix Awards in recognition of his lifesaving actions during an emergency.

Named after the mythical phoenix, a bird that rises from the ashes unscathed, the Phoenix Award is presented to first responders who successfully restore life to a patient who is able to return to a similar quality of life.

Baird’s skill, dedication, and commitment to patient care exemplify the very best of Monroe County Fire Rescue and the lifesaving difference our first responders make every day.