05/26/2026
🔥 Wildfire Awareness Month
As part of Wildfire Awareness Month, Osceola County is highlighting the importance of preparedness, prevention, and partnerships that help protect our community before disaster strikes.
Following the May 5, 2025 wildfire at Lake Lizzie Conservation Area, hundreds of fire-damaged and hazardous trees remained near public spaces including trails, pavilions, and restroom areas, creating ongoing safety concerns for visitors and staff.
To help address these hazards, Osceola County Office of Emergency Management partnered with Parks & Public Lands, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, and Team Rubicon, during a multi-day “Blue Sky” training operation held March 27-29, 2026.
During the operation, Team Rubicon volunteers worked to remove hazardous fire-killed trees and debris from impacted areas throughout the conservation area, helping reduce future wildfire risks and improve public safety.
The project also served as a valuable training opportunity for Team Rubicon sawyers, allowing volunteers to maintain and strengthen the certifications and hands-on experience needed to respond during future disasters and emergency deployments, including here in Osceola County.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office further strengthened this partnership through the support of Sheriff Christopher Blackmon, who deployed the agency’s Emergency Response Team with equipment to facilitate the event.
This support significantly enhanced the operational efficiency of the training operation and demonstrated strong interagency collaboration.
🌲 Hazardous tree and debris removal
🚧 Improved safety along public access areas
🤝 Disaster-response training for future emergencies
🔥 Continued wildfire risk reduction efforts
Through partnerships like these, Osceola County continues working proactively to strengthen emergency preparedness while protecting residents, visitors, and natural resources.