Cross Creek Volunteer Fire Department

06/03/2026

05/28/2026

From the Chiefs Corner/Heart

Words can’t fully express how grateful I am to the community of Cross Creek & Island Grove. Your generosity and kindness during the large Wild land Fire early this month was an absolute blessing. Thank you all from the bottom of my/our heart for showing up, caring so deeply, and offering such wonderful support." God Bless

05/27/2026

Please still burn your yard debris safely and don’t leave it unattended

𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐧

Effective today, May 27, 2026, Alachua County has lifted the countywide burn ban following substantial rainfall across the region over the past several days and additional rain forecasted throughout the week.

County officials, in coordination with the Florida Forest Service (FFS), determined that improving environmental conditions have significantly reduced the immediate threat of wildfires.

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which measures soil and vegetation dryness, has dropped to 415 from 618 last week and is expected to continue declining as rainfall persists.

“Recent rainfall has significantly improved conditions across Alachua County and reduced the wildfire risk that led to the burn ban,” said Fire Chief Harold Theus. “While the ban is being lifted, we encourage residents to continue practicing safe and responsible outdoor burning to help prevent accidental fires.”

Residents are reminded to follow all local and state regulations regarding outdoor burning. Officials caution that dry conditions can return quickly, especially during warm, windy periods.

Alachua County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service will continue monitoring drought conditions, weather patterns, and wildfire activity. If conditions worsen, the county may reinstate the burn ban to protect public safety and property.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official Alachua County communication channels for updates regarding burn conditions and potential restrictions.

05/09/2026

We are now at 70% containment.
Low clouds kept the aircraft in this morning. The little bit of rain has caused no help because it just created a whole lot of smoke.
Forestry has a night crew on for tonight. And we at the station are taking shifts monitoring through the night, as we have been and will continue

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

Current update from the Chief. l logical terms this fire is contained. Keeping in mind of the ways for it to escape the containment.
One is burn deep in the peat moss and pop up outside the control lines.
Two, a burning tree falls and crosses the control lines. Three a crazy wind hits what burning within the control line, blowing embers outside the control line. They’re a fairly good size unburdened land mass still within the control lines, that needs to burn before anyone leaving this area. It has the potential to catch fire and start this entire event over again.
It’s unassailable with any kind of equipment other than hand crews, and nobody willing to risk their life’s or life’s of others to try and get to it on foot, knowing all the conditions are right for it burn with crews on foot that likely could not get out of the entanglement in that area, becoming over run by the fire.
Today the thought was to bring in the helicopter, with the spontaneous ignition ping-pong balls, and control burn it out. However giving the low clouds may put that on hold.
*One issue that’s causing issues is people driving in here just to look. I 100% understand their wanting to see, but given the smoke with some crews working the outside perimeter with hand tools could get ran over by someone.
Stay safe.
And a big thank you to everyone who brought food and drinks to us. It’s much appreciated.

05/08/2026

CCVFD May 12 Dinner. Spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, drink and dessert. $10. Donation. 5pm-?
Support your firefighters as they continue to work the Lochloosa fire and keep our communities safe.
Eat in or take out. Retired Masonic Lodge in Island Grove.

05/06/2026

The guys at station have plenty of food for tonight thank you so much.
Keep thinking about them the rest of the week ahead

05/06/2026

This is our crew on staff please if your out and about pick up some bottled waters or make them something nice to eat. They are stretched thin and tired.