Citrus County Fire Rescue

09/07/2026

🇺🇸 HAPPY LABOR DAY!

This Labor Day, Citrus County Fire Rescue recognizes the hard work and dedication of those who help keep our community moving each and every day.

As many enjoy the holiday, we also extend our appreciation to the first responders, healthcare professionals, dispatchers and others who will be working today to serve and protect our community.

CCFR administrative offices are closed today, Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. Emergency response services remain available 24/7, as always.

From all of us at Citrus County Fire Rescue, have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day!

09/04/2026

🏅 HONORING OUR HOMETOWN HEROES

Last night, 10 Citrus County Fire Rescue personnel were recognized at the 2026 Hometown Heroes Awards Gala in Ocala, hosted by the Nami Marion and Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services.

🏆 FF/PMD Joshua King and FF/EMT Natalie Watson received a Hometown Hero Award for their role in the safe delivery of a newborn in September 2025.

❤️ PMD Chad Davis, EMT Caleb Hansen and DE/PMD Lyle Horne were named Hometown Hero Finalists for their lifesaving response to a cardiac arrest where bystander CPR was already underway. Their crew restored the patient's pulse and provided treatment that contributed to a successful recovery.

❤️ EMT Zakary Fairchild, CPT/PMD Thomas Harris, DE/PMD John Stephenson, FF/EMT Michael Warren and PMD Audrey Wasylyk were also named Hometown Hero Finalists for their response to a critical cardiac arrest. A family member was performing CPR when crews arrived. Through coordinated efforts, the patient's heartbeat was restored before transport to the hospital, where he made a remarkable recovery. He later visited the station to personally thank the crew who helped give him a second chance at life.

These stories are also powerful reminders that early CPR saves lives. In both cardiac arrest incidents, CPR was being performed before our crews arrived.

We are incredibly proud of all 10 members for the compassion, teamwork and dedication they bring to those we serve.

Thank you to NAMI and Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services for recognizing the first responders and hometown heroes who make a difference in our communities.

👏 Congratulations to our 2026 Hometown Heroes!

09/04/2026

💜 SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH

National Recovery Month is a time to celebrate the strength of those in recovery and remind our community that recovery is possible and support is available.

At Citrus County Fire Rescue, we know care doesn't always end when the emergency does. Through our Community Paramedicine program, our team helps connect individuals and families with treatment, recovery resources and continued support.

Every person's path to recovery is different. Sometimes the first step is simply knowing where to turn.

Need help connecting with resources? Call 352-860-6876.

Recovery is possible. You don't have to do it alone.

09/03/2026

🔥 STRUCTURE FIRE | E. REDWOOD PL. – INVERNESS AREA

Citrus County Fire Rescue, with mutual aid assistance from the Inverness Fire Department, responded this morning to a residential structure fire on East Redwood Place, outside the Inverness city limits.

Crews were dispatched at 8:23 a.m. and arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the approximately 1,400-square-foot residence, with fire through a portion of the roof and a vehicle involved beneath the attached carport.

Firefighters attacked the fire and searched the residence for occupants. Water was on the fire at 8:37 a.m., and the fire was reported out at 8:50 a.m. Primary and secondary searches confirmed no one was inside.

The investigation determined the fire originated inside the residence near a doorway and was caused by a lithium-ion battery pack.

🔋 LITHIUM-ION BATTERY SAFETY: Use only manufacturer-recommended batteries and chargers, keep charging devices away from combustible materials, and stop using batteries that are swollen, damaged, unusually hot, leaking or giving off an unusual odor.

If a battery begins smoking, overheating or burning, get out, stay out and call 911. Never put yourself at risk trying to move a burning battery or device.

CCFR thanks the Inverness Fire Department for its rapid response and mutual aid assistance.

09/03/2026

🎉 CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF SERVICE | BATTALION CHIEF SHAUN BUSBEE

Today, Citrus County Fire Rescue proudly recognizes Battalion Chief/Paramedic Shaun Busbee as he celebrates 15 years of full-time service with CCFR!

Chief Busbee began his full-time career with Citrus County Fire Rescue on September 3, 2011, after previously serving with Leesburg Fire Department and working in Marion County. In the 15 years since, he has continued to grow through the ranks while serving our community:

🚒 Driver Engineer/EMT – October 6, 2011
🚑 Driver Engineer/Paramedic – June 19, 2013
🔥 Lieutenant/Paramedic – June 20, 2015
📚 Training Captain – October 12, 2019
👨‍🚒 Battalion Chief/Paramedic – March 19, 2022

Today, Chief Busbee oversees Battalion 1 and five stations on the east side of Citrus County, helping lead emergency operations, personnel and the day-to-day coordination necessary to keep our crews ready to serve.

His commitment to the fire service also extends beyond CCFR. Since 2017, Chief Busbee has served as a Paramedic Instructor at the College of Central Florida, helping prepare and educate future emergency medical professionals.

Fifteen years represents thousands of calls, countless hours of training and a lasting investment in the people and community we serve.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Battalion Chief Shaun Busbee on 15 years of dedicated service to Citrus County Fire Rescue. Thank you, Chief, for your continued leadership, commitment and service to our department and community!

09/02/2026

🔥 STRUCTURE FIRE | E. BANNER LN. – INVERNESS AREA

Citrus County Fire Rescue, with mutual aid assistance from the Inverness Fire Department, responded Tuesday morning to a residential structure fire on East Banner Lane, outside the city limits of Inverness.

🚒 Firefighters were dispatched at 9:37 a.m. Inverness Fire Department Engine 2 arrived first at 9:43 a.m. and reported smoke showing from the residence. Firefighters made entry for fire attack and a search of the home, with water on the fire at 9:47 a.m. The fire was reported under control at 9:49 a.m.

During the search, firefighters located one deceased civilian inside the residence. No other occupants were located during primary and secondary searches, and no firefighter injuries were reported.

The fire was contained to a room and its contents, with smoke extending throughout the residence. The Florida State Fire Marshal and Citrus County Sheriff's Office are investigating the incident. The circumstances surrounding the death and the origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation.

🔎 CCSO SEEKING INFORMATION

As part of the ongoing investigation, CCSO investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed unusual activity or who has exterior camera footage from the surrounding area between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, to contact:

📞 CCSO Non-Emergency: 352-249-2790
📞 Crime Stoppers: 1-888-ANY-TIPS

CCFR thanks the Inverness Fire Department for its rapid response and mutual aid assistance.

🚨 FIRE SAFETY: Working smoke alarms provide critical early warning during a fire. Install alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. If a fire occurs, get out, stay out, and call 911 from a safe location.

09/02/2026

ROAD CLOSURE - HWY 19 @ VENABLE ST - CRYSTAL RIVER
Deputies with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office are currently on scene of a vehicle accident that has closed both lanes of northbound Hwy 19 in Crystal River.

Drivers are encouraged to utilize an alternate route if possible, as an extended road block is expected.

Please drive safely and allow first responders space to work.

UPDATE 9:24AM:

One northbound lane of Hwy 19 has reopened. A temporary lane closure will remain in place while FHP finalizes its investigation.

***ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION***

ROAD CLOSURE - HWY 19 @ VENABLE ST - CRYSTAL RIVER

Deputies with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office are currently on scene of a vehicle accident that has closed both lanes of northbound Hwy 19 in Crystal River. Drivers are encouraged to utilize an alternate route if possible, as an extended road block is expected.

Please drive safely and allow first responders space to work.


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09/01/2026

August 2026 | By the Numbers

Another month, another 24/7 commitment to the Citrus County community.

Throughout August, Citrus County Fire Rescue crews were there when our residents needed us most. From emergency medical calls and fires to rescues and everything in between, our personnel stayed ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

August activity included:

🚨 2,884 total incidents
🚑 1,644 patients transported to area hospitals
🔥 44 brush, vehicle, and structure fires

August’s busiest units:

• Engine: Engine 20 (Pine Ridge Station)
• 24-Hour Rescue: Rescue 3 (Homosassa Trail Station
• High-Performance, 12-Hour Rescue: Rescue 53

These numbers give us a glimpse into the volume of calls our crews handle each month, but they only tell part of the story. Behind every response is a person, family, or community member counting on our team to be there.

We’re proud of the work our personnel do every day to protect and serve Citrus County.

Thank you to our crews for their continued commitment and to our community for the support you show us throughout the year.

09/01/2026

🚨🔥 ACTIVE INCIDENT – E. BANNER LANE, INVERNESS

Citrus County Fire Rescue is currently on scene of a structure fire in the 6100 block of E. Banner Lane in Inverness, working alongside the Citrus County Sheriff's Office.

Firefighters arrived to find active fire conditions and immediately began fire suppression and life-safety operations. The scene remains active as fire crews and law enforcement continue their work.

⚠️ Please avoid the immediate area of E. Banner Lane and allow emergency personnel and vehicles clear access to the scene.

CCSO investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed unusual activity or who has exterior camera footage from the surrounding area between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. to contact:

📞 CCSO Non-Emergency: 352-249-2790
📞 Crime Stoppers: 1-888-ANY-TIPS

Additional information regarding the fire will be released when appropriate.

09/01/2026

⚠️ SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

Preparedness starts long before an emergency happens.

This photo from Hurricane Helene is a reminder of how quickly conditions can change and why taking steps ahead of time matters here in Citrus County.

Throughout September, Citrus County Fire Rescue will be sharing practical tips to help you and your family prepare — from building an emergency kit and planning for power outages to preparing for pets, medications and evacuation.

You can't always predict when an emergency will happen, but you can prepare for it.

Plan. Prepare. Stay informed.