Munson Volunteer Fire and Rescue District

05/28/2026

Help us Help Smokey Bear and Prevent Wildfire

If you’re looking to join the pack of responsible campers, here’s your starter kit. It’s got the essentials I look for before we get a campfire rolling. 🐻

05/17/2026

Friends, even with the recent beneficial rainfall across our area, the threat of wildfires is still very real. As summer approaches and outdoor activities increase, remember that wildfire starts can come from much more than an unattended campfire.

Hot vehicle exhaust systems in dry grass, discarded ci******es, equipment sparks, burning debris, and even chains dragging from trailers can quickly ignite a fire under the right conditions.

Please stay aware, use caution outdoors, and help us keep our communities and forests safe this summer.

There have been multiple vehicle-caused fires on the Ocala National Forest this spring. This is a friendly reminder on how to prevent wildfires when driving, working or recreating on public lands.

🚫 Forest visitors are reminded that it is against the law to operate motorized vehicles off of designated roads and trails. Violators will be prosecuted and may face a $5,000 fine, and have their vehicle confiscated. Additionally, violators may be financially responsible for all fire suppression costs.

Follow these simple actions to prevent and help reduce human-caused wildfires:

🚗 VEHICLES
✅ Avoid parking, driving or idling a vehicle or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on dry grass, brush or weeds as it could cause a wildfire. Park on pavement when possible.
✅ Tow safely by securing chains behind vehicles to prevent dragging and causing sparks.
✅ Maintain vehicles using spark arrestors on ATV’s and UTV’s, properly inflate tires and secure chains or other items that may drag and throw sparks.
✅ Check tire pressure. Driving under inflated tires or on exposed wheel rims can cause sparks.

🚜 EQUIPMENT
✅ Avoid driving or parking on dry grass, brush or weeds. Park on pavement when possible.
✅ Even lawnmowers can cause sparks. Check your weather conditions and avoid using lawnmowers and power equipment on hot, dry days. Try to mow early in the morning and avoid mowing weeds, dry grass or rocks.
✅ When using outdoor power equipment; i.e., welding, chainsaws, etc., make sure adequate water, hand tools and extinguishers are available in case a fire starts.
✅ Avoid having open flames or creating sparks that can ignite dry vegetation.

🚬 SMOKING
✅ Use an ashtray if you smoke outdoors or in a vehicle.
✅ Dispose of ci******es or other smoking materials appropriately.
✅ Never throw ci******es out of your car window.

Check and follow county burn bans: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/1f6572c92f8d41ec860f461ea433819b

For more information and fire prevention tips, visit: SmokeyBear.com

05/06/2026

Wildfire season is approaching and now’s the time to get prepared.

For a limited time, take $25 OFF the WASP Wildfire Protection Full Kit and enjoy free shipping on all kits.

Use code WASP25 at checkout - https://shop.waspwildfire.ca/products/complete-wildfire-protection-kit

Valid on up to two kits until May 31st, or while supplies last.

Each kit includes our patented industrial-grade sprinkler brackets, designed to help get water onto your roof and surrounding areas to defend against floating embers, one of the leading causes of home loss during wildfires.

Each complete kit includes:
- 2 Patented WASP Gutter Mount Brackets
- 2 Wind-Fighting Agricultural-Grade Sprinkler Heads
- 2 Fascia/Fence Mounts for Homes Without Gutters
- 2 25 Foot, Fire Department Grade Lay-Flat Hoses with Standard Connectors

Simple to deploy. Trusted by firefighters. Ready when you need it most.

05/06/2026

Friends, extended forecast for wildfire risk this summer are predicting it to be active throughout our area. Please take a moment and consider what you can do to help us protect your property and be Wildfire Ready.

The NIFC predictive maps for June and July in Florida did not change with the new May 1 outlook. This is the first predictive outlook for August in Florida.

04/24/2026

Be Wildfire Ready

04/23/2026

Friends, Your Vigilance and Assistance are Appreciated in Preventing Wildfires

04/20/2026

04/20/2026

Tanker 19 supporting Forestry with mop-up operations

04/17/2026

Quick response saves home in the Harold Fire & Rescue Community

04/15/2026

The Florida Forest Service is working a 50-acre wildfire on Blackwater River State Forest and have it 85% contained and there are no structures threatened. The fire is located just south of State Road 4 about 5 miles east of State Road 87.

Crews have lines around the entire fire and there is little to no active flame but with current drought conditions, organic materials in the soil have ignited and are smoldering well beneath the surface causing increased smoke and poor visibility along area roads especially during the early morning hours.

Motorists in the area bounded by SR 4 to the north, SR 87 to the west, Springhill Road to the south and Munson Highway to the east should use extreme caution while driving. If you encounter smoke on the road, slow down, treat it as fog, turn on your low-beam headlights and allow extra space between other vehicles. If visibility becomes too poor to proceed, pull all the way off the road and turn on your emergency flashers.

Firefighters are working to mitigate smoke from this fire using heavy equipment and a complex sprinkler system drawing water from nearby creeks as well as mopping where possible using brush trucks and water tenders.