Venus District Fire Station 45 - Highlands County Fire Rescue

Venus District Fire Station 45 - Highlands County Fire Rescue Venus District Station 45 provided volunteer emergency services to the 176 square mile Venus response area.

As of August 1, 2025 it has no Venus based first responders. Volunteer Fire Department - Highlands County Station 45

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.

04/07/2026

Burn Ban Extended in Highlands County 🚫
Due to ongoing extreme drought conditions and increased wildfire risk, Highlands County’s burn ban has been extended through (11:59 p.m.) May 5, 2026.

The ban was issued by the Board of County Commissioners and may be lifted sooner by the Fire Chief or extended again by the Board 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 575 (as of April 6), indicating very dry conditions.
• The Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook for April, issued by federal fire agencies, calls 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.

04/06/2026

From the US National Weather Service Tampa Bay Florida: At 6:33 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Venus, or 13 miles southeast of Lake Placid, moving west at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.

Locations impacted include... Archbold and Venus.

03/17/2026

From US National Weather Service Tampa Bay Florida, 8:25 p.m., March 16, 2025:

At 8:25 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Venus, or 12 miles southeast of Lake Placid, moving east at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include... Placid Lakes, Archbold, Brighton, Cornwell, Venus, Sylvan Shores, Lake Istokpoga, and Lake Placid.

03/16/2026

Extreme Drought Conditions in Highlands County ⚠
95% of Highlands County is still experiencing extreme drought, with the other 5% under severe drought conditions. Drought conditions are forecast to continue over the next three months. The rain we had over the weekend and are expected to have today will likely only provide short-term relief.

As of 3/15, Highlands County’s drought index was at 603. Over the next 1-2 weeks, warm and dry weather is expected. Soils remain dry and the fire danger is increasing, with brush fires continuing to occur.

Reminder: Highlands County remains under a burn ban through 11:59 p.m. April 9, 2026. (Burn Ban Ordinance 25-26-06, 25-26-07)

This burn ban applies to ALL areas of Highlands County, including:
• ALL unincorporated areas including Lorida and Venus, the Sun ’n Lake Improvement District and the Spring Lake Improvement District
• Within city/town limits in Avon Park, Lake Placid, and Sebring, unless a municipality has its own ordinance or charter provision in place that differs from the County’s burn ban

🚫 What Is NOT Allowed
During the burn ban, the following are prohibited:
• Campfires, bonfires, warming fires
• Outdoor fireplaces and open cooking fires
• Outdoor pyrotechnic displays (including fireworks)
• Burning yard waste, vegetation, lumber, or trees
• Burning household trash or debris
• Unpermitted controlled burns

✅ What IS Allowed
• Activities specifically authorized by the Florida Forest Service
• Cooking only on a contained gas or charcoal grill

⚠️ Enforcement
Violations are a misdemeanor punishable by:
• A fine up to $500
• Up to 60 days in jail
• Or both

If conditions improve, the burn ban may be lifted early by the Fire Chief, with public notice issued by the County’s Public Information Office.

Let’s all do our part to protect our community, our properties, and our people. Please share this information with your friends and loved ones.

02/17/2026

🚨 ATTENTION: HIGHLANDS COUNTY BURN BAN HAS BEEN EXTENDED 🚨

A mandatory burn ban put in place on Jan. 6, 2026, has been extended through 11:59 p.m. April 9, 2026, unless lifted sooner by the Fire Chief or extended by the Board of County Commissioners.
(Burn Ban Ordinance 25-26-06, 25-26-07)

This burn ban applies to ALL areas of Highlands County, including:
• ALL unincorporated areas including Lorida and Venus
• Sun ’n Lake Improvement District
• Spring Lake Improvement District
• Within city/town limits in Avon Park, Lake Placid, and Sebring, unless a municipality has its own ordinance or charter provision in place that differs from the County’s burn ban

🚫 What Is NOT Allowed
During the burn ban, the following are prohibited:
• Campfires, bonfires, warming fires
• Outdoor fireplaces and open cooking fires
• Outdoor pyrotechnic displays (including fireworks)
• Burning yard waste, vegetation, lumber, or trees
• Burning household trash or debris
• Unpermitted controlled burns

✅ What IS Allowed
• Activities specifically authorized by the Florida Forest Service
• Cooking only on a contained gas or charcoal grill

🔥 Why This Matters
The western portion of Highlands County is under extreme drought, while the remainder of the county is under a severe drought. With low rainfall totals, drought conditions have worsened across West Central Florida and Southwest Florida, and in the last week and a half, Central Highlands County’s drought conditions have worsened further.
Burn bans are issued during drought conditions when dry vegetation can ignite quickly, leading to dangerous wildfires that threaten lives, homes, firefighters, and the environment.
Burn bans are set county by county based on local conditions. While rules may differ elsewhere, Highlands County’s burn ban applies here and must be followed, even if another county allows burning or fireworks.

⚠️ Enforcement
Violations are a misdemeanor punishable by:
• A fine up to $500
• Up to 60 days in jail
• Or both

If conditions improve, the burn ban may be lifted early by the Fire Chief, with public notice issued by the County’s Public Information Office.

Please, let’s all do our part to protect our community, our properties, and our people. Share this information with your neighbors and loved ones.

02/02/2026

*** THIS POST IS OUTDATED. PLEASE VISIT OUR PAGE FOR UPDATED INFORMATION ***

COLD WEATHER ALERT | Feb. 2 ❄

The cold has not left us yet!

A Freeze Warning is in place from 11 p.m. 2/2 (MONDAY) until 9 a.m. 2/3 (TUESDAY). 🚨 ⚠️

* WHAT... For the Freeze Warning tonight, sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 expected.

* WHERE...Portions of southwest and west central Florida.

* WHEN... For the Freeze Warning, from 11 p.m. Monday to 9 a.m. EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

02/01/2026

COLD WEATHER ALERT | Feb. 1 ❄

🚨 MULTIPLE WEATHER WARNINGS ARE IN EFFECT ⚠️

A Freeze Warning is in place from 7 p.m. 2/1 until 9 a.m. 2/2, and a Cold Weather Advisory is in place from 7 p.m. 2/1 until 10 a.m. 2/2.

* WHAT... For the Freeze Warning tonight, sub-freezing temperatures as low as 20 expected. For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 18 expected.

* WHERE...Portions of southwest and west central Florida.

* WHEN... For the Freeze Warning, valid from 7 PM Sunday to 9 AM EST Monday. For the Cold Weather Advisory, valid from 7 PM Sunday to 10 AM EST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down, and a few power outages may result. Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Secure outdoor objects.

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

01/30/2026

*** THIS POST IS OUTDATED. PLEASE VISIT OUR PAGE FOR UPDATED INFORMATION ***

❄ COLD WEATHER ALERT | Jan. 30 ❄

⚠️ MULTIPLE NEW WEATHER WARNINGS NOW IN EFFECT ⚠️

🚨 WHAT’S CHANGED:
A Freeze Watch has been upgraded to a FREEZE WARNING, and a WIND ADVISORY has also been issued.

FROM 10 PM SATURDAY (1/31) TO 10 AM EST
SUNDAY (2/1)

* WHAT...For the Wind Advisory, northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 35 mph expected. For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 8 expected. For the Freeze Warning, a hard freeze with temperatures as low as 20 expected.

* WHERE...Portions of southwest and west central Florida.

* WHEN...For the Wind Advisory, from 3 PM Saturday to 7 AM EST Sunday. For the Extreme Cold Warning and Freeze Warning, from 10 PM Saturday to 10 AM EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The
dangerously cold wind chills as low as 8 above zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.

An extended period of freezing temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes. Appropriate action should be taken to ensure tender vegetation and outdoor pets have adequate protection from the cold temperatures. Young children, the elderly and the homeless are especially vulnerable to the cold. Take measures to protect them.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Secure outdoor objects.

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold!

01/29/2026

*** THIS POST IS OUTDATED. PLEASE VISIT OUR PAGE FOR UPDATED INFORMATION ***

❄Cold Weather Update❄

EXTREME COLD & FREEZE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY (1/31) EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY (2/1) MORNING

* WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Watch, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 8 possible. For the Freeze Watch, a hard freeze with temperatures as low as 20 possible except for inland Manatee County, where temperatures will be as low as 30.

* WHERE...A portion of west central and southwest Florida.

* WHEN...From Saturday evening through Sunday morning.

* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors.

Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

To prevent water pipes from freezing; wrap or drain or allow them to drip slowly.

Address

45 Venus Clubhouse Road
Venus, FL
33960

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