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Articles written by Katelyn Hoverkamp


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  • Burn Ban Rescinded for Polk County

    Katelyn Hoverkamp, Public Information Officer|Updated Jul 2, 2024
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    Thanks to an increase in rain, Polk County has repealed the active burn ban effective July 1. That permits the outdoor burning of brush in controlled circumstances, but extreme caution should still be exercised as plentiful dry vegetation remains. The Polk County Fire Chief had declared a burn ban throughout Polk County on May 28, due to dangerous fire conditions throughout the county. All of Polk County experienced an unusually dry spring, which followed a dry 2023. The...

  • Thermal Imaging Camera May Help Save Lives

    Katelyn Hoverkamp, Public Information Officer|Updated Sep 5, 2023

    In a move that local officials hope may help save lives and property, Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) has added 45 new FLIR Thermal Imaging Cameras (TICs) to its fire engines, ladder trucks, squads and tower trucks. "These new TICs will enhance the decision-making abilities and save lives," said Fire Chief Hezedean A. Smith, D.M. "By helping to protect Polk County's residents and visitors, and by making sure our members come home safely every day, these cameras will ensure safe...

  • Wildfire Threat Continues in Polk, Extreme Caution Urged

    Katelyn Hoverkamp, Polk County Fire Rescue|Updated Mar 13, 2023

    A very dry January and February in the Lake Wales area have led to critically dry conditions, despite a few scattered showers passing over the area. This week humidity levels will once again approach red-flag conditions, making any fire a severe risk. As drought conditions prevail and low humidity persists, Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) would like to encourage the public to help prevent accidental bush fires throughout the county. Since January 2023, Polk County Fire Rescue...