West Sebring Volunteer Fire Department

05/31/2026

🌧️ Recent rainfall across Highlands County is welcome news, and conditions are beginning to improve.

However, drought recovery doesn't happen overnight.

While rain helps moisten grasses and surface vegetation, it can take weeks or even months of consistent rainfall for deeper soil moisture levels to fully recover after an extended drought.

That means wildfire risk can remain elevated even when everything looks greener than it did a few days ago.

The recent rain is a step in the right direction, but continued caution and outdoor fire safety remain important throughout Highlands County.

🔥 Stay alert.
🔥 Follow local burn restrictions.
🔥 Be mindful of activities that could create sparks or open flames.

Small actions can help prevent wildfires while our area continues to recover.

05/30/2026

Even with some recent rainfall, Highlands County remains in extreme drought conditions. 🌧️🔥

One way fire officials measure drought and wildfire danger in Florida is through the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which tracks how dry the soil and vegetation are on a scale from 0 to 800.

As of May 26, Highlands County’s KBDI is 612, placing our area in the “Extreme Fire Risk” category.

What does that mean in simple terms?

🚩 The ground is still extremely dry beneath the surface
🚩 Trees, brush and vegetation can ignite more easily
🚩 Fires can spread faster and burn deeper
🚩 Even small outdoor sparks can become dangerous under the right conditions

For perspective:
🟢 0–200 = Low fire danger
🟡 200–400 = Moderate fire danger
🟠 400–600 = High fire danger
🔴 600–800 = Extreme fire danger

While recent rain has helped temporarily, drought conditions do not disappear overnight. It takes consistent rainfall over time for deeper soil moisture levels to recover.

Due to ongoing dry conditions, Highlands County remains under a burn ban through June 16.

Please continue to use caution outdoors:
✔️ Avoid parking on dry grass
✔️ Properly dispose of ci******es
✔️ Never leave fires unattended
✔️ Follow local burn restrictions and safety guidance

Highlands County Fire Rescue will continue monitoring conditions closely and appreciates the community’s help in reducing wildfire risk.

05/05/2026

🚫 Burn Ban Extended in Highlands County

Highlands County’s burn ban has been extended through (11:59 p.m.) June 16, 2026, due to ongoing extreme drought conditions and increased wildfire risk.

The ban was issued by the Board of County Commissioners and may be lifted sooner by the Fire Chief or extended again if needed.

This ban applies to all areas of Highlands County, including unincorporated areas (such as Lorida and Venus), improvement districts (Sun ’n Lake and Spring Lake), and areas within city/town limits, unless a municipality has its own ordinance or charter provision that differs from the County’s burn ban.

🔥 Why This Matters
Highlands County remains under extreme drought conditions, according to the National Weather Service, and the risk of wildfire is high.
• The Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which measures how dry the soil is and how likely fires are to spread, is at 600, indicating very dry conditions.
• The Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook for May, issued by federal fire agencies, continues to call for above-normal wildfire activity.
• Dry vegetation can ignite quickly and spread fast.

Even with recent rain, conditions remain dry and dangerous.

🚫 What’s Not Allowed
• Campfires, bonfires and warming fires
• Outdoor fireplaces and open cooking fires
• Burning yard waste, debris or trash
• Fireworks and outdoor pyrotechnics
• Unpermitted controlled burns

✅ What’s Allowed
• Cooking on a contained gas or charcoal grill
• Activities permitted by the Florida Forest Service

⚠️ Enforcement
Violating the burn ban is a misdemeanor and may result in:
• A fine up to $500
• Up to 60 days in jail
• Or both

💧 Important Reminder
A Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Order, issued by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, is in effect through July 1, with water restrictions in place countywide.

Burn bans are issued by local governments based on local conditions. Even if surrounding areas allow burning, this ban remains in effect in Highlands County.

Please help protect our community by following these restrictions and sharing this information.

05/05/2026

May the fourth be with you!!! 🚀

Happy international Star Wars Day. May the force be with you.

05/01/2026

Light the Night 🔴 🔥

During Light the Night Week, Highlands County Fire Rescue joins departments across the nation to honor the firefighters who gave their lives in service to others.

Tonight, we light up red.

We do it to remember those we’ve lost.
We do it to support those who continue to serve.
And we do it to recognize the commitment that unites the fire service – protecting lives, property, and our communities.

Behind every light is a story of sacrifice, courage, and dedication.

❤️ Join us by lighting your home or business in red and taking a moment to thank those who serve.

04/27/2026

Station 9 & 10 crews were proud to be part of the Champions for Children “Touch-A-Truck” event! 🚒

It was an amazing day connecting with the community, giving families and kids a hands-on experience with our apparatus, and sharing what we do. Seeing the excitement on everyone’s faces made it all worth it.

One of the highlights of the event was the incredible turnout of nearly 100 Corvettes that showed up in support — definitely a sight to see!

We’re grateful for the opportunity to be involved in such a great cause and appreciate everyone who came out to support. Looking forward to the next one!

04/27/2026

4/27/26 at 5:20pm Update - SEARCH EFFORTS HAVE CONCLUDED

Please make sure to follow Sebring Police Department for updated information.

4/26/26 at 11:53pm (Update) - Search efforts are still ongoing in the area of City Pier Beach. Agencies aiding in search efforts are Sebring Police Department, Sebring Fire Department, Highlands County Sheriff's Office, Highlands County Emergency Management, MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife and Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Please avoid the area as first responders remain on scene. We will continue with updates as the investigation continues.

4/26/26 at 9:10pm (Update) - If you were on the east side of Lake Jackson between the Sebring Elks Lodge and the City of Sebring Pier, within the last 2 hours, swimming or diving and have exiting the lake; please notify the Non-Emergent Central Dispatch at 863-402-7200.

4/26/26 at 8:50pm (Original Post) - Sebring Fire Department and Sebring Police Department are currently on scene of Lake Jackson due to reports of missing divers in the water.

Please avoid the lake as first responders search the area. We have drones in the air searching, we ask that the public DOES NOT operate a drone at this time

Highlands County Fire Rescue is also on scene.

04/13/2026

04/10/2026