State Road 436 closes after truck crashed into fence, officials say
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A driver has been taken to the hospital in stable condition after a crash in Seminole County, the fire department said. Firefighters said a white Ford 250 crashed into fencing on and power lines went down, causing traffic to stop westbound on State Road 436. Seminole County Fire Department said Duke Energy had been notified of the incident. Officials said Altamonte Police Department has two tow trucks heading to the scene. SCFD said State Road 436 is expected to reopen in the next 20 to 30 minutes.
wftv.comSeminole County firefighters put out car fire on I-4
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County firefighters extinguished a car fire in Altamonte Springs on Thursday. Fire crews responded to the fire on Interstate 4 near mile marker 91 around 5 p.m. Photos: Seminole County firefighters put out car fire on I-4Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 4 Seminole County firefighters put out car fire on I-4 Fire crews responded to the fire on Interstate 4 near mile marker 91 around 5 p.m. The Seminole County Fire Department said it was a “quick stop,” and there were no injuries. Investigators did not release the cause of the fire.
wftv.com1 dog dies, 1 cat survives after Altamonte Springs house fire
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — The Seminole County Fire Department responded to a house fire in Altamonte Springs Friday morning. According to a social media post, emergency crews arrived at the scene on Bishop Drive and saw visible smoke and flames. 1 dog dies, 1 cat survives after Altamonte Springs house fire Emergency crews arrived at the scene on Bishop Drive and saw visible smoke and flames. (Seminole County Fire Department /Seminole County Fire Department)Firefighters said they put out the fire and stopped it from spreading. Seminole County firefighters said they rescued a cat, but a dog died.
wftv.comSeminole County Police take down blaze at a Sanford Walmart
SANFORD, Fla. — Seminole County Fire Department got a call about a fire in Sanford. The vehicle fire happened at a Walmart parking lot on US 17-92 on Monday night. Three firefighters responded to the scene. There is no information on what caused the fire. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comSeminole County firefighter recruits train for high-rise fire response
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — A new class for the Seminole County Fire Department trained this week at the Altamonte Mall. Recruits and instructors used one of the mall’s parking garages to train for high-rise fires. Photos: Seminole County firefighter recruits train for high-rise fire responseExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 14 Seminole County firefighter recruits train for high-rise fire responseThey carried heavy equipment up the garage’s stairwell and practiced operating fire hoses inside. Watch: Search underway for suspect who drove on wrong side of 520, killing motorcyclistOne of the “new” recruits for Seminole County was a former Orlando firefighter who worked for the department for nearly 30 years. Read: ‘Zombie viruses’ found as Siberian permafrost melts, researchers sayThe 27 recruits should complete their eight-week training this week.
wftv.comTeenager drowns in Casselberry, police say
CASSELBERRY, Fla. — A teenager has died following a drowning incident Saturday, Casselberry Police said. Police said the incident occurred around 4:15 p.m. at Crystal Bowl Circle. Read: State Road A1A reopens following damage from Hurricane NicoleCasselberry Police was assisted by the Seminole County Fire Department and sheriff’s office. Read: 18-year-old mother found shot and killed in car, police sayThis is still an active investigation. Read: Ultralight plane crashes in Titusville, pilot injured, deputies sayWatch Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates on this developing story.
wftv.comFire damages home in Altamonte Springs
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Fire chased a family out of their Seminole County home Tuesday morning. Firefighters rushed to the house along Prairie Lake Cove just before 5:30 a.m., the Seminole County Fire Department said. Seminole County house fire Fire damaged a house on Prairie Lake Cove in Altamonte Springs Tuesday morning. (Seminole County Fire Department)READ: 2022 Florida primary: What you need to knowWFTV’s Drone 9 was there as well. Seminole County house fire Fire damaged a house on Prairie Lake Cove in Altamonte Springs Tuesday morning.
wftv.comSeminole County Fire Department sees uniform shortage
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — While the pandemic has subsided, supply chain issues are still struggling to catch up. Read: ‘Tragic’: Woman killed by lightning strike in Seminole County identifiedThe Seminole County Fire Department said they have had to relax some of their uniform standards as they wait for those shipments to arrive. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Seminole County Fire Department sees uniform shortage The Seminole County Fire Department said they have had to relax some of their uniform standards. Seminole County has tried to hire new firefighters for several years with 50 to 60 firefighters/paramedics a year. VIDEO: Seminole County Leaders Say the Library System in Desperate Need of Revamp“We’ve been experiencing delays in getting our uniforms in, really since COVID,” said Thiebert.
wftv.comAdult, child struck by lightning in Winter Springs, officials say
WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — Two people were transported to the hospital Thursday afternoon after being struck by lightning, according to the Winter Springs Police Department. It happened around 2:20 p.m. in the 1300 block of Park Villa Place. READ: Quiet start to lightning season ends as US hits annual peakA child and a hospital were taken to the hospital, according to Seminole County Fire Department. A pet dog was also involved, but its condition and whereabouts are unknown, according to the fire department. READ: 2 people injured by lightning strikes in New Smyrna BeachChannel 9 has a crew heading to the scene.
wftv.com8 people injured in crash involving deer in Seminole County
SR 46 Crash in Geneva, Fla. A crash shut down SR 46 in Seminole County Thursday morning. (Seminole County Fire Department)SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Several people were hurt Thursday morning following a crash along State Road 46, the Seminole County Fire Department said. SCFD indicated on social media that a deer crossing the road contributed to the crash. READ: More alleged abuse victims identified in case against Sanford foster parentTroopers first reported the crash around 7:15 a.m. near North Hart Road in Geneva. State Road 46 was shut down for an hour.
wftv.com6 hurt after multi-car crash in Seminole County, SR 419 closed
Update 6:15 p.m.SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Oviedo Fire Rescue reported there are now 6 people injured. State Road 419 is closed while Florida Highway Patrol conducts its investigation. Oviedo Fire Rescue is responding to a multiple vehicle crash in the area of Sterling Creek and State Road 419, the agency said in a tweet Sunday. Read: Senate Democrats approve Biden economic deal; House to vote nextThe Seminole County Fire Department is also present at the scene. Watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates on this developing story.
wftv.comNew program works to reduce 911 calls in Seminole County
New program works to reduce 911 calls in Seminole County (WFTV)SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — In 2019 Jordan Migliaccio was involved in a hit-and-run crash that left him paralyzed. Recently he was referred to the Seminole County Fire Department’s community paramedicine program. Seminole County #FireDepartment's #CommunityParamedicine Program, brings proactive solutions to offer quality care & preventative services. https://t.co/SXN5IDtBWO — Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) PIO Media (@scfdpio) June 28, 2022The program helps people who frequently need to call 911 for assistance with non-emergency needs. The program is funded with American Rescue Plan dollars and is free to Seminole County residents.
wftv.comSeminole County fire departments taking steps to help prevent child drownings
VIDEO: Seminole County fire departments taking steps to help prevent child drownings Officials with the Seminole County Fire Department say they’ve already responded to four child drowning calls this year. (WFTV)SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Officials with the Seminole County Fire Department say they’ve already responded to four child drowning calls this year. To help, The Seminole County Fire Department along with the sheriff’s office and municipal fire departments are putting together drowning prevention resource packets to be distributed to the community. The drowning prevention resource packets are available at all Seminole County fire stations. Both families were on-hand Thursday helping local public safety officials assemble the drowning prevention resource packets for each of the Seminole County Fire Department’s 20 fire stations.
wftv.comSeminole County firefighter identified as gunman in Titusville murder-suicide
TITUSVILLE, Fla. — Titusville police identified the man and woman killed in a suspected murder-suicide on Thursday. Officers said they found Haley Friedel, 24, of Titusville, in the driveway inside a vehicle with apparent fatal gunshot wounds. Gregory DePietro, 32, of Titusville, was located close to the vehicle on the home’s lawn with an apparent gunshot wound. READ: Woman, man die after shooting in Titusville neighborhoodThey said he then immediately turned the gun on himself and later died at a local hospital. Seminole County Fire Department Chief Matt Kinley said DePietro was in good standing throughout his time with the department.
wftv.comSeminole County home almost catches fire after shed go up in flames
WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — Firefighters saved a house from catching fire after responding to an overnight shed fire in Seminole County. The Seminole County Fire Department responded to a shed fire early Sunday morning that was close to home in a Winter Springs. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Winter Springs Shed Fire (Seminole County Fire Department)The shed was complete destroyed by the flames, but crews were able to extinguish the fire to save the home. Read: 1 person displaced; cat and dog killed after mobile trailer fire in Orlando, firefighters sayClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.com‘He’ll forever be my hero’: Seminole County boy honored for helping grandmother during emergency
Seminole County honorary firefighter On Wednesday, the Seminole County Fire Department designated Elijah as an "honorary firefighter" for this quick thinking in a crisis. (WFTV.com News Staff)SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Elijah Alba, 11, and his grandmother were walking home from a Seminole County bus stop back in December when his grandmother suddenly collapsed. Then dispatcher Jen Moriarty called Elijah on his cell phone to walk him through what to do before first responders arrived. “He’ll forever be my hero,” his grandmother, Denise Diomede, said. On Wednesday, the Seminole County Fire Department designated Elijah as an “honorary firefighter” for this quick thinking in a crisis.
wftv.comSeminole County Fire Dept. unveils first airboat, named by Geneva Elementary School students
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The Seminole County Fire Department unveiled its first airboat to the public Monday after choosing a name for it submitted by local elementary school students.
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Seminole faces stiff competition for recruits as fire services look to expand
Seminole faces stiff competition for recruits as fire services looks to expand (WFTV)SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Across Florida, the need for firefighters and paramedics is at an all-time high.
In Seminole County, the shortage of first responders comes at a point when the agency is looking to expand its fire services to meet the growing population.
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RV with 20-pound propane tank catches fire in Seminole County
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The Seminole County Fire Department is trying to figure out what sparked an RV to go up in flames. WATCH: Seminole County commissioners to discuss big plans for former hot spotFirefighters responded Friday at around 5 p.m. after the RV caught fire along Sanford Avenue. Photos: RV with 20-pound propane tank catches fire in Seminole CountyExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 RV with 20-pound propane tank catches fire in Seminole CountyPhotos released by firefighters show the vehicle suffered severe damage and is a complete loss. WATCH: ‘My baby is coming home’: Cat missing from Maine since 2015 found in Central FloridaCrews said the fire was made worse by a 20-pound propane tank inside. READ: Seminole County crossing guard named FDOT’s crossing guard of the yearClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.
wftv.comSeminole County firefighters use boat to find man lost overnight in thick vegetation
Seminole County firefighters use boat to find man lost overnight in thick vegetationLONGWOOD, Fla. — A Seminole County man was rescued overnight after becoming lost in the Sabal Point area of Longwood. Firefighters said dispatchers were notified about the lost man around 3:45 a.m.WATCH: ‘Devious licks’: What you need to know about TikTok challenge leading to damage at schoolsOfficials said the man had entered the area around 2 p.m. Saturday and had not been seen since. The Seminole County Fire Department searched the area before determining it was best to use a boat to check the backcountry and trails due to high water levels and thick vegetation. Officials said the man did not need any medical attention. READ: Seminole County firefighters honor 13 American soldiers killed in Kabul airport attackThe Seminole County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the search.
wftv.comSeminole County firefighters honor 13 American soldiers killed in Kabul airport attack
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County firefighters honored the 13 American soldiers that were killed in the Kabul airport attack. The Seminole County Fire Department said its new firefighter recruit class added the names of the 13 fallen soldiers to the front of their helmet shields to honor them. READ: Kabul airport attack: Last US planes leave KabulOur new firefighter recruit class for the Seminole County Fire Department added the names of the 13 fallen American soldiers who died in the Kabul suicide bombings to the front of their helmet shields to honor them. #13FallenHeroes #13Fallen📸Norman Reyburn pic.twitter.com/07QG2PkiLl — Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) PIO Media (@scfdpio) August 31, 2021Thursday’s bombing occurred as thousands of people were trying to flee Afghanistan after the country’s recent takeover by the Taliban. Seminole County firefighters honor 13 American soldiers killed in Kabul airport attack (Norman Reyburn)READ: Kabul airport attack: Names released of military members killed in attackA Navy sailor, an Army soldier and 11 Marines were killed in the attack.
wftv.comMissing boater found dead after vessel capsizes in St. Johns River
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – One male was rescued and another was found dead after their boat capsized Monday night on the St. Johns River in Seminole County, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The males were on a 13-foot boat near Mullet Lake Park around 7 p.m. when the vessel overturned for an unknown reason. Officials said both victims tried to swim toward the shore but one of them went under the water and never resurfaced. The other victim was found dead during the overnight hours on the water bottom near the boat. The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and the FWC conducted the search using dive teams and a helicopter.
SunRail train hits vehicle in Maitland
A vehicle was damaged during a crash with a SunRail train on Feb. 19, 2021. SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A SunRail train hit a vehicle that was on the tracks in Maitland Friday evening according to Seminole County Fire Department. The crash was reported near Greenwood Drive in Maitland around 6:25 p.m. Officials from the Florida Department of Transportation said there were 25 passengers on board the train at the time of the crash and none of them were injured. A SunRail train hit a vehicle that was on the tracks in Altamonte Springs Friday evening and at this point, it’s unknown if anyone was injured, according to Seminole County Fire Rescue.
Seminole leaders ‘very confident’ they can distribute COVID-19 vaccine quickly, safely
(AP Photo/Stephen Dunn,POOL)SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – With Seminole County leaders set to receive a shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday, leaders there said they’re confident that they can distribute the shots in a safe and efficient way. Seminole County Chairman Lee Constantine, Seminole County Fire Department Chief Otto Drozd and Florida Department of Health in Seminole Health Officer Donna Walsh spoke at a news conference Monday afternoon to provide the community with the latest on its distribution plans. Others who are at the front of the line include health department workers, EMTs, paramedics and health care workers. Drozd said the men and women at the Seminole County Fire Department will receive training within the next few days on how to administer the vaccine. “I can tell you the personnel on the strike teams will have to have the vaccine in order to administer the vaccine in the point of dispensing.
COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Seminole County
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Coronavirus cases are on the rise in Florida and Central Florida health officials are warning the public to be aware of the recent trend. Seminole County Medical Director Dr. Todd Husty said that the current weekly average for single day COVID-19 cases is 65. We are loosening up too much.”Husty also said Seminole County is currently monitoring 600 people who have either tested positive for coronavirus or are awaiting test results,Data released Thursday by the Florida Department of Health showed another 80 new cases in Seminole County. Seminole County Public Schools said the plan is to collect data from a survey given to parents, before creating a plan for next semester. The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County said it continues to work closely with school officials, as the county reported another 123 cases on Thursday.
Report: ‘Bored’ Florida firefighter left COVID-19 isolation to party with friends
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A firefighter who left isolation after his COVID-19 diagnosis to go boating and to a bar with friends was suspended without pay for his behavior, according to documents from the Seminole County Fire Department. Records show the firefighter tested positive for COVID-19 after he started feeling ill on June 17. “Furthermore, by his own admission in his conversation with Assistant Chief Thurmond on July 2nd, it is indeed fact that (the firefighter) understood that he should be in quarantine and isolated while on paid county leave. He was suspended for three days without pay and returned to work on Sept. 27. Click here to subscribe to ClickOrlando.com’s Strange Florida newsletter, delivered every Friday.
Dump truck becomes suspended in air after hitting an overpass, officials say
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – First responders were called to a crash Saturday after a dump truck hit an overpass. According to officials, the crash caused the front of the truck to be “suspended in the air.”The crash happened on Interstate 4 and State Road 436 near mile marker 92. Driver successfully extricated; DOT engineers en route. “The driver was successfully extricated by crews and was treated for minor injuries at the scene,” first responders said. No lanes were closed to traffic as crews worked to remove the truck.
Contained gas leak closes westbound SR 46 in Seminole County
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. Seminole County Fire Department hazmat teams responded to a gas leak Tuesday morning on State Road 46. The leak was contained by the hazmat crew but westbound SR 46 was closed around 10 a.m. from Elder Road to Rinehart Road. No other information was provided. Check back for updates.
1 person hospitalized after car drives into retention pond, officials say
MAITLAND, Fla. – Multiple agencies responded to a call Saturday afternoon after a vehicle crashed into a retention pond. According to officials, Orange County Fire Rescue, Seminole County Fire Department and Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department responded to a retention pond at Maitland Boulevard and Maitland Summit Boulevard. Officers said the driver was taken to a local hospital and is in stable condition. “Firefighters searched the pond to verify no other person was involved,” officials said. “Afterward, the divers followed standard procedures to be scrubbed down and decontaminated for their safety.”Officials did not say what caused the crash.
3 hurt, cat killed in Altamonte Springs condominium fire
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. - Three people were injured and an animal is dead after a fire in Altamonte Springs, according to fire officials. The Seminole County Fire Department said crews responded to a condominium fire on the 100 block of Maitland Avenue Thursday night. Three people were taken to a nearby hospital, officials said. According to fire crews, a cat was killed in the fire. Investigators said the fire was contained to one unit and no other units were damaged.
DUI driver slams into clubhouse building in Sanford, troopers say
SANFORD, Fla. - A man who was under the influence of narcotics crashed into a community clubhouse building in Sanford on Monday evening, damaging a wall and window, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash happened around 5 p.m. on the corner of Terracina Drive and Siracusa Lane, in the Terracina at Lake Forest community. Minnix and his dog were the only occupants in the vehicle, according to the report. A field sobriety test determined that Minnix was impaired, according to the report. His blood alcohol level was 0.00 but a trooper determined Minnix was under the influence of a central nervous system depressant and a narcotic analgesic, meaning pain relievers, records show.