WEATHER ALERT
‘Everything was lost:’ Orlando firefighters left scene of downed power line that caused structure fire, report says
Read full article: ‘Everything was lost:’ Orlando firefighters left scene of downed power line that caused structure fire, report saysA month after a downed power line caused a fire that destroyed an Orlando couple’s home, an incident report confirms firefighters left the scene after the Orlando Utilities Commission told them they shut down their responses at the time due to weather conditions.
I-4 reopens in Orlando after crash involving semitruck shuts down lanes
Read full article: I-4 reopens in Orlando after crash involving semitruck shuts down lanesAll lanes of westbound Interstate 4 were temporarily shut down in Orlando due to a crash involving an overturned semitruck, according to police.
Red Cross called to assist 8, including 6 children, after apartment fire in Orlando
Read full article: Red Cross called to assist 8, including 6 children, after apartment fire in OrlandoThe American Red Cross was called Saturday to assist eight people, including six children, following a fire at an apartment in Orlando, according to firefighters.
Innovative CPR method saving more lives in Orlando. Here’s what firefighters are doing
Read full article: Innovative CPR method saving more lives in Orlando. Here’s what firefighters are doingWith CPR week starting June 1, the Orlando Fire Department showed News 6 an innovative CPR training method to further increase a cardiac patient's chances of survival.
Orlando homes evacuated, traffic affected in ‘difficult to locate’ gas leak
Read full article: Orlando homes evacuated, traffic affected in ‘difficult to locate’ gas leakThe Orlando Fire Department’s hazmat team is investigating a “difficult to locate” gas leak on Monday evening, according to a news release.
Orlando firefighter accused of using knife to frighten co-worker at station
Read full article: Orlando firefighter accused of using knife to frighten co-worker at stationA firefighter with the Orlando Fire Department was arrested Tuesday, accused of using a knife to frighten a co-worker at Orlando Fire Station 9 the week prior.
‘We risk our lives:’ Orlando firefighter honored after pulling Seminole deputy from fiery crash
Read full article: ‘We risk our lives:’ Orlando firefighter honored after pulling Seminole deputy from fiery crashOrlando Fire Department Lt. Benjamin Wootson III was honored Friday for having saved the life of a Seminole County sheriff’s deputy.
TRAFFIC ALERT: 3 hospitalized in crash blocking lanes at south entrance of Orlando International Airport
Read full article: TRAFFIC ALERT: 3 hospitalized in crash blocking lanes at south entrance of Orlando International AirportA roadway leading into Orlando International Airport was blocked Sunday morning as police responded to a crash, according to the airport’s social media.
Orlando dispatcher, firefighters recognized after saving woman in cardiac arrest
Read full article: Orlando dispatcher, firefighters recognized after saving woman in cardiac arrestAn Orlando Fire dispatcher and two fire fighters were handed awards for their quick thinking Tuesday and reunited with a patient whose life they saved.
Fire at condo complex in Orlando displaces 14, officials say
Read full article: Fire at condo complex in Orlando displaces 14, officials sayOrlando Fire Department personnel on Sunday morning responded to a fire at Avalon Condominiums that displaced more than a dozen people, according to a statement.
1 dead in fire at apartment complex on Lake Ridge Road, Orlando Fire Department says
Read full article: 1 dead in fire at apartment complex on Lake Ridge Road, Orlando Fire Department saysAt least one person died after a fire overnight at a residence on Lake Ridge Road in Orlando, according to the Orlando Fire Department.
Crash into ditch off ramp to SR-528 near Orlando International Airport sends 2 to hospital
Read full article: Crash into ditch off ramp to SR-528 near Orlando International Airport sends 2 to hospitalA crash into a ditch off an eastbound ramp to State Road 528 near Orlando International Airport sent two people to the hospital, according to the Orlando Fire Department.
Orlando firefighters look to reunite rescued puppy with owner
Read full article: Orlando firefighters look to reunite rescued puppy with ownerOrlando firefighters are looking to reunite a puppy found and rescued in the middle of the intersection by the Lake Underhill and Conway Road area with its owner.
Worker seriously hurt after fall at Orlando construction site, firefighters say
Read full article: Worker seriously hurt after fall at Orlando construction site, firefighters sayA worker had to be airlifted to the hospital after suffering a 15-foot fall from an Orlando building, according to the Orlando Fire Department.
Woman struggling for air in a fiery car crash saved by Orlando firefighter’s own mask
Read full article: Woman struggling for air in a fiery car crash saved by Orlando firefighter’s own maskA car caught on fire with a woman trapped inside, and a responding firefighter from the Orlando Fire Department removed his mask and air pack, giving it to the woman, who was just seconds away from not being able to breathe.
Trailer fire displaces 1, kills cat and dog, Orlando firefighters say
Read full article: Trailer fire displaces 1, kills cat and dog, Orlando firefighters sayThe Red Cross is finding shelter for a person who lived in a trailer that firefighters now consider a “total loss” after it burned Sunday, according to the Orlando Fire Department.
Orlando Firefighters, Red Cross volunteers install new smoke detectors in Parramore homes
Read full article: Orlando Firefighters, Red Cross volunteers install new smoke detectors in Parramore homesAfter a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Red Cross volunteers and Orlando firefighters joined community members for the in-person "Sound the Alarm" event in Parramore.
Orlando fire chief resigns following arrest on assault charges in North Carolina
Read full article: Orlando fire chief resigns following arrest on assault charges in North CarolinaBenjamin Barksdale has resigned as the chief of Orlando Fire Rescue nearly two months after his arrest in North Carolina on assault charges.
1 person hospitalized on Advanced Life Support following fire in Orlando
Read full article: 1 person hospitalized on Advanced Life Support following fire in OrlandoOne person was hospitalized and one firefighter injured following a fire at an Orlando home on Sunday, according to the Orlando Fire Department.
Fuel tank crash on I-4 causes gallons of leaking diesel, lane closures
Read full article: Fuel tank crash on I-4 causes gallons of leaking diesel, lane closuresA crash on I-4 westbound left a saddle tank leaking fuel and caused traffic to be reduced to one lane between Colonial Drive and State Road 408, according to the Orlando Fire Department.
No injuries reported by Orlando firefighters after apartment garage goes up in flames
Read full article: No injuries reported by Orlando firefighters after apartment garage goes up in flamesAn apartment garage went up in flames Sunday evening, but according to the Orlando Fire Department, there were no injuries.
Settlement reached after assistant fire chief sues Orlando alleging gender discrimination, harassment
Read full article: Settlement reached after assistant fire chief sues Orlando alleging gender discrimination, harassmentORLANDO, Fla. – A settlement has been reached after an assistant fire chief sued the city of Orlando alleging gender discrimination and harassment, according to the Department of Justice. Dawn Sumter said she was sexually harassed by the former fire chief and was retaliated against by the fire department for complaining, according to the DOJ. [RELATED: Assistant fire chief sues Orlando, former chief alleging gender discrimination, harassment]AdAccording to the lawsuit from last year, Sumter was fully qualified to be promoted but during former Orlando Fire Chief Roderick Williams’ tenure, she was not considered or interviewed. The DOJ said all employees of the fire department will have to go through training on the policies each year. Prosecutors said the city will pay Sumter $251,000 in compensatory damages and $182,640 in attorney fees.
Orlando Fire Department’s Rapid Intervention Team gives firefighters chance to work on extra skills
Read full article: Orlando Fire Department’s Rapid Intervention Team gives firefighters chance to work on extra skillsORLANDO, Fla. – For some women in the Orlando Fire Department, the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) is a chance to train, compete and put their skills to the test. An initial group of firefighters work during emergency situations, like a building collapse, to save lives, but the RIT team is ready to respond should those firefighters need extra assistance. District Chief Lori McDonald, Lt. Jackie Pollock, engineer Shari Tramell, firefighter Rachel Camacho and firefighter Terra Hutcheson make up the department’s first all-women’s team. McDonald said the competition team allows the women to practice skills they normally wouldn’t get the chance to. Both Engineer Tramell and Firefighter Camacho compete on our all women's Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).
Police respond to shooting in northwest Orlando, man rushed to hospital
Read full article: Police respond to shooting in northwest Orlando, man rushed to hospitalORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A man was rushed to the hospital after a shooting in northwest Orlando on Friday, according to police. Police said around 10:16 p.m. officers responded to a call for assistance from the Orlando Fire Department. The fire department said crews on the 4500 block of Lake Martin Lane heard several gunshots. AdInvestigators said police found a man suffering from gunshot wounds when they got to the scene. Officers said they do not know who the shooter is and the shooter left the scene in an unknown vehicle.
Family displaced after fire at Rosemont townhome in Orlando
Read full article: Family displaced after fire at Rosemont townhome in OrlandoORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Fire Department responded to a blaze at a townhome in the Rosemont area Friday afternoon that left five people without a home. The fire was reported after 1 p.m. at 4962 Sanoma Village. Orlando Fire Department officials said fire was out by 2:20 p.m.One person was treated at the scene for a wellness check and a firefighter suffered a minor injury but did not require transport to the hospital. Orlando Fire Department public information manager Ashley Papagni said there were five people displaced from one townhome, including three adults and two children. A GoFundMe has been created to assist the family.
1 dead, 1 hospitalized after gas leak at Orlando apartment complex
Read full article: 1 dead, 1 hospitalized after gas leak at Orlando apartment complexOne person has died and another was hospitalized after a gas leak at the Jackson Court Apartments on Saturday, according to the Orlando Fire Department. Police said Saturday’s hazmat situation was discovered after a wellness check when gas was burning on the stove inside of a unit here for hours. The Orlando Police Department said the leak was caused from a burner on a stove that was left on high for more than 24 hours. “I was like wow,” Dupree said. “I just saw a couple of police cars down at Division and Church.”Check back with ClickOrlando.com for updates to this story.
2 dogs die in fire at Orlando apartment complex
Read full article: 2 dogs die in fire at Orlando apartment complexORLANDO, Fla. – Two dogs died Monday afternoon when a unit at Catalina Isle Apartments caught on fire, according to the Orlando Fire Department. The fire was reported at about noon when smoke was spotted coming from the window of a second-floor unit. [TRENDING: Here’s how to register for COVID-19 vaccine | Select Publix locations will offer vaccine | Fla. woman accused of screaming political profanities]During their efforts, they also removed three dogs from the apartment, two of which died from smoke inhalation. “Our volunteers arrived on scene and provided emergency assistance to 5 adults and 11 children (16 total) living in 3 units,” the statement read, in part. One-on-one support to connect people to available recovery assistance as well as mental health services.”The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
Assistant fire chief sues Orlando, former chief alleging gender discrimination, harassment
Read full article: Assistant fire chief sues Orlando, former chief alleging gender discrimination, harassmentORLANDO, Fla. – A veteran firefighter with the Orlando Fire Department is suing the city and the former fire chief alleging gender discrimination and sexual harassment. That employee, assistant fire chief Dawn Sumter, filed a lawsuit against the department and Williams Tuesday and is seeking a jury trial. According to the lawsuit, Sumter was fully qualified to be promoted but during William’s tenure, she was not considered or interviewed. According to the lawsuit, the prevalent behavior and discrimination against women within OFD have continued under the new fire chief. Increased diversity in the first new hire class under Chief Barksdale - Class 0620 was the largest class for the Orlando Fire Department at 32 members.
Teen gets accidently locked inside showroom safe at gun range in Orlando
Read full article: Teen gets accidently locked inside showroom safe at gun range in OrlandoORLANDO, Fla. A teenager was accidentally locked inside a showroom safe at a gun range on Tuesday, according to the Orlando Fire Department. Investigators said she walked inside the display and the door closed behind her. Crews responded to Shooters World and said Tower 10 firefighters had to use hydraulic extrication tools to breach the door. The fire department said the teenager was not injured in the incident. We will update this story as more information becomes available.
After recovering from COVID-19, Orlando firefighters donate plasma to help others
Read full article: After recovering from COVID-19, Orlando firefighters donate plasma to help othersOrlando firefighter Kyle Hioki was one of the dozens of Orlando firefighters who tested positive for the coronavirus earlier this summer. Once he tested negative, he decided to donate his plasma to OneBlood to help patients still suffering from the virus. Firefighter Joe Creasman said he wanted to donate plasma because he wants to potentially help victims of COVID-19 recover just like he did. If I can spend 30 minutes of my time donating my plasma to help a few people, then I'm all about it," Creasman said. More Orlando firefighters are expected to donate plasma to OneBlood on Tuesday and Wednesday.
COVID-19 testing site returns to Camping World Stadium
Read full article: COVID-19 testing site returns to Camping World StadiumORLANDO, Fla. A pedestrian-accessible and drive-thru COVID-19 testing site is set to return to Camping World Stadium next week. The site will be open Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1 Citrus Bowl Place in Orlando. GENETWORx will process the tests and provide results within five days. Those who dont receive their results within a week are asked to go to www.covid19resultsfl.com or call GENETWORx at 850-583-2419. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6s coronavirus newsletter and go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.
Orlando firefighters injured responding to crash involving cement pole, authorities say
Read full article: Orlando firefighters injured responding to crash involving cement pole, authorities sayORLANDO, Fla. The driver of a BMW drove into the back of a truck carrying a cement pole on Kirkman Road sending the pole through their vehicle, according to the Orlando Fire Department. OFD responded to the crash and extracted the driver from the car after the pole went through the car cab. The driver was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center. While on scene, a firefighter assisting with the extraction was injured and taken to AdventHealth Orlando, according to a spokesperson.
Man dies after accident working on Virgin Trains project in Orlando
Read full article: Man dies after accident working on Virgin Trains project in OrlandoORLANDO, Fla. Authorities say one worker died while working on the Virgin Trains project in Orlando near State Road 528, reports The Associated Press. The accident happened Thursday morning as 33-year-old Marcus Green and another man were working to clear standing water that had accumulated over an inlet due to recent heavy rain. A spokesperson for the Orlando Fire Department said the workers were in an overflow drain that began to flow sweeping them away and trapping them under the road. Orlando Fire Department crews rescued them but Green died from his injuries. The other worker was taken to a hospital, where he was treated and released.
WATCH LIVE: Orlando firefighters rescue two people from manhole near SR 528
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: Orlando firefighters rescue two people from manhole near SR 528ORLANDO, Fla. Orlando Fire Department crews were on scene at State Road 528 where a rescue operation was underway Thursday after two people fell in a manhole off the highway. OFD firefighters rescued two people from a manhole around 11:30 a.m. Thursday, according to a department spokesperson. No other information was immediately available. Check back for updates.
86 Orlando firefighters test positive for COVID-19
Read full article: 86 Orlando firefighters test positive for COVID-19ORLANDO, Fla. The Orlando Fire Department has reported even more COVID-19 cases, bringing the total as of Wednesday up to 86, according to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. Last week, the department had 28 patients and 86 more members in quarantine due to possible exposure. Were now up to 86 firefighters whove tested positive for COVID-19. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said, too, that a 22-year-old Orange County firefighter is in the hospital receiving treatment for COVID-19. Since mid-March, 6,056 people in Orange County have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
2 Port Orange fire department employees test positive for COVID-19
Read full article: 2 Port Orange fire department employees test positive for COVID-19PORT ORANGE, Fla. Two employees of the Port Orange Fire and Rescue Department are self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19, according to a news release. Officials said the two employees were diagnosed Thursday and have been out of work since then. Leaders at the department did not say whether the employees are firefighters or are in another position. All other necessary precautions have been taken to minimize the spread of the virus among any close contacts within the department. At the Orlando Fire Department, 28 members tested positive and another 87 are in quarantine.
Orlando Fire Department reports jump in coronavirus cases, 28 test positive for COVID-19
Read full article: Orlando Fire Department reports jump in coronavirus cases, 28 test positive for COVID-19ORLANDO, Fla. The Orlando Fire Department is reporting an increase Thursday in coronavirus cases among its staff. As of Thursday, 28 members of the Orlando Fire Department have now tested positive for COVID-19, and 87 are in quarantine, according to a statement sent by department officials Thursday. The new statistics include the original number of COVID-19 positive department members and those in isolation. From the day previous, 21 more COVID-19 cases were confirmed within the department, as well as 23 more in a mandatory 14-day quarantine. On Thursday, the Florida Department of Health reported a jump of 316 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Orange County from Wednesday into Thursday.
1 shot dead during domestic dispute, Orlando police say
Read full article: 1 shot dead during domestic dispute, Orlando police sayORLANDO, Fla. A person was shot and killed Friday afternoon during a domestic dispute in Orlando, police said. Officers were called to to the 2000 block of S. Hiawassee Road just before 2 p.m. for reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they said a person was found at the scene suffering from a gunshot wound. The shooting victim was later pronounced dead by the Orlando Fire Department. No one is at large at this time and there is no threat to the public, an OPD spokesperson said in a news release.
Orlando Fire Department demonstrates COVID protocol
Read full article: Orlando Fire Department demonstrates COVID protocolORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Fire Department demonstrated steps it is taking to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and to protect the public and it’s firefighters and paramedics. The department’s Health and Safety Division is working closely with the Florida Department of Health to ensure that first responders are equipped to treat patients suffering from flu-like symptoms or respiratory illnesses. A unique tool that the Orlando Fire Department uses and demonstrated was this Aeroclave unit. The fire chief says the Aeroclave is utilized whenever the firefighters or EMTs respond to an emergency involving someone with flu-like symptoms. Firefighters also want to remind people that call 911, to let dispatchers know if they are experiencing any flu-like symptoms.
Firefighters battle Downtown Orlando blaze causing road closures
Read full article: Firefighters battle Downtown Orlando blaze causing road closuresOrlando, Fla. – Firefighters battled a large blaze at a home in downtown Orlando Friday afternoon. Crews arrived at the scene on Washington Street at 12:49 pm., according to a tweet by the Orlando Fire Department. According to officials, the home was vacant and there were no injuries. West Washington Street was closed between North Parramore and North Terry avenues as crews worked to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, officials said.
Power restored after outage at Universal's Islands of Adventure, officials say
Read full article: Power restored after outage at Universal's Islands of Adventure, officials sayORLANDO, Fla. – Power has been restored after an outage was reported Saturday at Universal's Islands of Adventure, officials said. Universal officials said the Orlando Fire Department was there as a precaution, but they were able to assist guests off Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. "We had a power outage earlier across portions of CityWalk and all of Islands of Adventure," a Universal spokesperson said. "As a result, we had to assist guests off a handful of attractions. [SIGN UP: Subscribe to ClickOrlando.com newsletters]Officials said power is 100 percent restored and all guests were safely off rides.
Universal reopens parking garage after investigation
Read full article: Universal reopens parking garage after investigationORLANDO, Fla. – Park officials say an all-clear has been given after guest traffic into a Universal Orlando parking garage was stopped on Monday afternoon. Park officials said the K-9 noticed something during a routine patrol and they notified the Orlando Police Department and Orlando Fire Department out of an abundance of caution. Authorities asked Universal to stop guest traffic into the south parking garage. The investigation is not affecting other park operations and no evacuations were ordered, officials said. "We are working to take care of any guests who may be temporarily inconvenienced," park officials said in an email to News 6.
Riders rescued after being stuck on Universal coaster
Read full article: Riders rescued after being stuck on Universal coasterORLANDO, Fla. – Firefighters on Wednesday rescued 12 riders, including at least one child, who were stuck in a vertical position atop a roller coaster at Universal Orlando for more than two hours, officials said. [PHOTOS: Riders stuck on coaster | Theme park injury report | AUDIO: 911 calls released]The Orlando Fire Department said it received a call around 7 p.m. that the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit was stuck with several people on board. "We have a train, the Rockit, stuck in a vertical, vertical position," the caller reported. According to Universal's website, Rip Ride Rockit reaches top speeds of 65 mph and towers 17 stories over the theme park. "I just saw the roller coaster sitting there and I thought maybe it was stuck," Matt Pelan said.