Fire crews rescue teens from brush fire in Waldo

Press release from Alachua County Fire Rescue

WALDO, Fla. – Fire crews brought a 5-acre brush fire under control yesterday near the Louise Hunt Club in Waldo; several teenagers were rescued after their vehicle was incapacitated in the area of the fire.

At about 6:30 p.m. on September 6, units from Alachua County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the area of the Louise Hunt Club off County Road 1475, north of Waldo, for a possible brush fire. Units arrived to find a slight haze, and further investigation discovered a 1-2-acre brush fire growing rapidly. The Florida Forest Service responded with two bulldozers to attempt to access. 

While crews were attempting to access the fire, a 911 call was received to the Combined Communications Center, advising there were teenagers whose vehicle was incapacitated in the area of the fire. The teens’ parents arrived at the Command Post, and a Search and Rescue was initiated using a brush truck equipped with a Search and Rescue Technician. 

Using the GPS coordinates provided by the parents, crews were able to successfully rescue the teens and remove them from harm’s way. The fire was controlled by the Florida Forest Service and measured at 5.5 acres.