Okeechobee County Fire Rescue responded to 153 incidents between May 8 and May 14 including a gas leak and several vehicle fires. These included 10 smoke or fire, eight motor vehicle accidents, two invalid assists, 113 emergency medical assists and 20 miscellaneous calls.

Of 105 possible transports, 27 were refused and/or used another method of transportation.

Below are a few of the highlights:

• On May 8 at approximately 4:30 p.m., OCFR responded to the 28400 block of Northeast 55^th Avenue regarding a brush fire. When they arrived, they found a grass fire approximately 1.5 acres in size had burned itself out. Hot spots were put out and DOF released OCFR from the scene.
• On May 8 at approximately 7:45 p.m., OCFR responded to the 31300 block of U.S. 441 North regarding a brush fire. When they arrived, they found a 1.5-acre fire in heavy vegetation. A second fire was discovered about a half mile away. The second fire was a pile of old pine trees about 20x20 and contained. DOF released them from the scene.
• On May 8 at approximately 11:15 a.m., OCFR responded to mile marker 183 on the Florida Turnpike regarding an RV fire. When they arrived, they found a 20 ft. RV on the shoulder of the northbound lane fully involved. There was also a 20x30 grass fire burning around it. The RV was completely destroyed, but no one was injured. The owners said it began to smoke under the hood so they pulled over. Once they pulled over, it began smoking more and then they saw flames.
• On May 9 at approximately 10 a.m., OCFR responded to State Road 68 West regarding a vehicle fire, but the call was canceled en route.
• On May 10 at approximately 1:45 p.m., OCFR responded to the 400 block of Northwest Fourth Street regarding a passenger vehicle fire. When they arrived, they found a vehicle parked in the grass with heavy smoke coming from under the hood. They were able to cut the hood open with a K12 saw and extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire was deemed to be an engine fire.
• On May 11 at approximately 11:30 a.m., OCFR responded to the 2200 block of Northwest Ninth Avenue regarding a gas leak. A construction company hit an underground natural gas main. The immediate area was evacuated, and surrounding schools and residents were notified of the possibility they might be evacuated. The gas company arrived on the scene and was able to shut the line down completely and then make repairs. Once all the gas had stopped leaking, the gas company let OCFR know they were no longer needed at the scene. The road was closed for several hours while repairs were made. One elderly resident said she had all her birds in her car and was ready to evacuate if needed.
• On May 12 at approximately 1:45 a.m., OCFR responded to the 800 block of Northeast 24^th Avenue regarding a vehicle fire. When they arrived, they found a Kia Sorrento SUV fully engulfed in flame. The fire was deemed suspicious, and the fire marshal was contacted, but later, it was discovered oil had leaked out of the motor. The fire started in the first engine compartment and worked its way back.
• On May 13 at approximately 4:30 a.m., OCFR responded to the 3400 block of Southeast Fourth Street regarding a building fire. When they arrived, they found a 20x10 shed fully involved and almost burnt to the ground. The structure was not connected to the home, and no one was injured.