“We can directly attribute one local fire in 2025 to a battery operated mower charging in a shed. We recommend monitoring battery chargers by setting a timer when in use and unplugging them upon completion of charge.” – Jefferson County Fire Rescue Chief Derrick Burrus

Charge into Fire Safety: 3 Steps

Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.

Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

We Appreciate Our Local Fire Departments!

Jefferson County Fire Rescue
Location: 57 Martin Rd.
Fire Chief: Derrick Burrus
Contact: (850) 342-0182 (non-emergency)

*ECB Publishing, Inc. Photo by Laura Young, October 7, 2025*
Jefferson County Fire Rescue Shift A includes: (left to right) Lance Blomeley, Chief Derrick Burrus, Aaron Baker, Captain Ryan Flynt, Nic Buzbee and (not pictured) Chase Barineau.

*ECB Publishing, Inc. Photo by Bri Rodriguez, October 9, 2025*
Jefferson County Fire Rescue Shift B includes: (left to right) Lt. Tommy Arthur, Captain Ron Motter, Logan Kercher, Neil Cochran, Isaac Coston and (not pictured) Lt Justin Cosper.

*ECB Publishing, Inc. Photo by Bri Rodriguez, October 10, 2025*
Jefferson County Fire Rescue Shift B includes: (left to right) Patrick Titus, Captain Dexter Walker, Sean Evans, Captain Jared Parramore, Lt Holly Megna and Cameron Allen. Swing Shift D includes Jacob Tabb (not pictured).

Monticello Volunteer Fire Department
Location: 1255 N. Jefferson St.
Fire Chief: Dan Pruitt
Contact: (850) 727-6804

Ashville Area Volunteer Fire Department
Location: 10108 Ashville Hwy.
Fire Chief: Bill Pfeiffer
Contact: (516) 458-8088

Lloyd Volunteer Fire Department
Location: Near Old Lloyd Road and State Road 59
Fire Chief: John Cooksey
Contact: Derrick Burrus: dburrus@jeffersoncountyfl.gov

Wacissa Volunteer Fire Department
Location: 14496 Waukeenah Hwy.
Fire Chief: Steven Lafreniere
Contact: (850) 284-8347
sclafren@centurylink.net