Operations

The Operations section of the Lake County Fire Rescue Division provides daily response to a variety of emergency and non-emergency calls. These calls include, but are not limited, to fire suppression, emergency medical service (EMS), hazardous materials mitigation, search and rescue, auto accidents and many others.

Fire
Fire Rescue Operations personnel respond to fire, EMS and other emergencies as required to protect the citizens and property in the unincorporated areas of the County.

Emergency Medical
The personnel assigned to the Operations section are dual certified Firefighter/EMTs or Firefighter/Paramedics. This allows the Division to provide an added service to citizens. Currently, nine Lake County fire stations provide Advanced Life Support services. Patient transport by ambulance is provided by a third service - Lake Sumter EMS.

Special Operations
The Fire Rescue Special Operations Team (SORT) is a result of a collaborated effort with the Department of Public Safety Fire Rescue and Emergency Management Divisions.

SORT handles all types of incidents that require very specialized skills and equipment to mitigate the situation. SORT incident response would include, but not limited to, the following type emergencies: gas leaks, hazardous material spills, confined space rescue, high-angle rescue, collapse/trench rescue, water rescue and complex or large-scale fire suppression incidents. SORT resources consist of thirty-three personnel over three duty shifts operating two (2) SQUADs and one (1) TOWER truck.

Fire Loss Management
Presently, Firefighters provide basic annual fire inspection for commercial properties within their response zone. Personnel also conduct life safety inspections of all commercial properties and aid in public education programs and events. Plans review, new construction inspection and occupancy inspection is coordinated through the Lake County Building Services Division. Cause and origin fire investigations are conducted by the State Fire Marshal's Office to determine the cause and nature of fire incidents requiring further investigative action.