Latest news with #HillsboroughCountyFireRescue
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New traffic signal upgrades aimed at helping emergency vehicles navigate intersections safer, faster
The Brief Hillsborough County is installing high-tech traffic signal upgrades to help emergency vehicles navigate intersections safer and faster. The devices sense when an emergency vehicle is approaching and switch to green, with the cross signals changing to red. The goal is to reduce response times. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. - Hillsborough County crews are installing a new Smart Traffic Control system at 600 intersections and on 175 emergency vehicles. Emergency Vehicle Preemption, or EVP, sensors attached to traffic signals detect when an emergency vehicle is approaching and switch the light to green, while setting crossing signals to red. The backstory By giving emergency vehicles the green light and holding crossing traffic at a red light, EVP ensures a safer and faster path for responders, significantly improving their ability to reach emergency scenes promptly, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue said. "It'll start clearing those intersections ahead of us. So as we approach them, we have the green lights," said Rob Herrin, HCFR's Public Safety Information Chief. The system uses GPS, cellular networks and radio communications to link the signals and vehicles. Hillsborough County firefighters have already seen an impact, reducing response times in areas where the devices are already installed by about 30 seconds. "Thirty seconds in a matter of minutes, statistically, is pretty good and for people that are in cardiac arrest and for people whose homes are on fire, that 30 seconds can make a tremendous difference and we anticipate that number improving as well," Herrin said. The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13 reporter Aaron Mesmer. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
WATCH: Cats reunited with family after rescue from burning Brandon home
BRANDON, Fla. (WFLA) — Two cats were rescued after a large blaze broke out at a Brandon home early Friday morning. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue crews said they saw heavy flames and thick smoke coming from the roof of the Caliente Drive home as they arrived shortly after midnight. Severely emaciated Great Dane 'grateful' after Polk deputies rescue her, Terrier sibling All residents had safely made it out of the home, but firefighters learned the family's pets were still trapped inside. Crews went into the smoke-filled home and managed to find the two frightened felines. Video showed the cats clinging to their rescuers as they came out of the burning house. Smiling faces greeted the animals, with one woman sharing a heartwarming moment with a firefighter as he returned her pet to her arms. 'Thank you so much, oh my God,' she said. Firefighters had the blaze under control in just about 15 minutes after their arrival. Authorities said the cause of the fire was still under investigation Friday. There were no injuries reported. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Crews battle early morning fire at Brandon home
The Brief Crews fought a house fire in Brandon early Friday, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. It happened in the 700 block of Caliente Dr. Fire officials say everyone inside the home made it out safely, and no injuries were reported. BRANDON, Fla. - Firefighters worked early Friday to put out a fire at a home in Brandon, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. What we know HCFR says crews responded shortly before 12:30 a.m. to multiple calls reporting a fire in the 700 block of Caliente Dr. Firefighters found heavy flames shooting through the roof, according to officials, but they were able to get the fire under control within 15 minutes. Fire rescue says everyone inside the home made it out safely before first responders arrived, and no injuries were reported. What we don't know The cause of the fire is under investigation. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source This story was written with information from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
PHOTOS: Brush fire at Alafia River State Park
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Three brush fires swept through Alafia River State Park on Sunday. Officials said the fires were likely caused by lightning strikes in the area, and the fires spread over a few hundred acres of the park. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forestry Service responded to the fire, which covered around 400 acres before it was contained. HCFR said no injuries were reported and no structures were at risk, though residents may smell lingering smoke. Have photos or video you want to share? Submit them through WFLA Report It Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Crews contain 400-acre brush fire within Alafia River State Park: HCFR
The Brief Crews have contained a 400-acre brush fire within the Alafia River State Park, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. 22 HCFR units were called to the scene, and they engaged in firefighting efforts for several hours. Hillsborough County officials said that this was the biggest brush fire they've dealt with so far this season in the county. RIVERVIEW, Fla. - A 400-acre brush fire at Alafia River State Park near Thatcher Road has been contained, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. 22 HCFR units were called to the scene, and they engaged in firefighting efforts for several hours. The smoke could be seen and smelled throughout the surrounding area. Residents in the surrounding areas should be aware that smoke or the smell of smoke may be present throughout the night. The Florida Forestry Service helped HCFR to build lines around the fire. Big picture view Hillsborough County officials said that this was the biggest brush fire they've dealt with so far this season in the county. READ: VIDEO: Woman shot, killed by deputy after she shot her daughter: HCSO Crews have demobilized most of their units but will continue monitoring the area for continued safety assurance. HCFR says that no injuries have been reported, and no structures were damaged. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story was provided by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
