Early this morning, members of Florida Task Force 1 (#FLTF1) and Florida Task Force 2 (#FLTF2) returned home after supporting the @StateDept humanitarian mission in Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes. There are moments that remind us why we train for years, why we answer the call without hesitation, and why service reaches far beyond the uniform. For the members of FL-TF1 and FL-TF2, this mission meant leaving their own families behind to stand beside families whose lives changed in an instant. To many Venezuelans, both in their homeland and here in South Florida, these responders became a symbol of hope during one of life’s darkest moments. In Venezuela, they searched through devastation, worked shoulder to shoulder with local and international responders, and never lost sight of the people behind every search. They witnessed unimaginable loss, extraordinary resilience, and a community coming together, refusing to give up. Today, they return home to the families who patiently waited for them, carrying stories they will never forget and the privilege of having served when they were needed most. Welcome home, FL-TF1 and FL-TF2. Miami-Dade is proud of you. South Florida is proud of you. Thank you for showing the world what compassion, courage, and service look like. @usembassyve

Yesterday, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue hosted a traditional push-in ceremony to place Tanker 71 into service at its new home, Eureka Fire Station 71. The ceremony marked the addition of this specialized apparatus, which will strengthen firefighting and emergency response capabilities in southwestern Miami-Dade County. In keeping with fire service tradition, firefighters and guests, led by @MayorDaniella and @MDFRChief Ray Jadallah, joined together to push Tanker 71 into the station by hand. This time-honored ritual, which dates back to the days of horse-drawn fire apparatus, symbolizes the beginning of service to the community. The addition of Tanker 71 reflects Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety and ensuring the department remains prepared to serve the county’s growing communities.

Earlier today, the men and women of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s Florida Task Force 1 (#FLTF1) boarded a plane and began their mission to Venezuela. Departing from Homestead Air Reserve Base with the support of @Southcom, they carry with them far more than specialized training and equipment. They carry compassion, hope, and commitment to stand beside those facing unimaginable hardship. Behind every member of this team is a family they have hugged goodbye so they can answer the call of someone in need. That is the true meaning of service. We could not be more proud of these extraordinary men and women. When disaster strikes, they don’t ask who needs help or where they are from, they are simply ready to respond and ready to serve. Their courage and selflessness remind us that humanity has no borders, and that sometimes the greatest act of kindness is simply showing up when someone needs you most. From South Florida, second home to the largest Venezuelan population outside of South America, we ask that you keep all first responders in your thoughts as they represent our community with honor, compassion, and hope.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's Urban Search and Rescue (#USAR) Florida Task Force 1 (#FLTF1) has been officially activated by the U.S. Department of State as a response team to assist with search and rescue efforts following the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. From the moment we learned of this tragedy, our team has remained on standby, ready to respond. Many in our community have family, friends, and loved ones in Venezuela, making this mission especially meaningful. We deploy with one purpose: to provide hope and help those affected during this difficult time. The task force consists of an 80-member Type I Urban Search and Rescue team, including six canine teams, to support ongoing search operations. The highly specialized team includes experts across 19 functional areas, including command and control, technical search, structural assessment and stabilization, planning and technical information, advanced medical care, hazardous materials mitigation, tactical communications, logistics, safety, and technical rescue.

Thank you State Rep. @OmarBlancoFL for your continuous support. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s Florida Task Force 1 (#FLTF1) remains fully prepared and stands ready to respond and assist if official orders to deploy are received.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue thanks elected state officials for visiting today to learn more about the ongoing brush fire response efforts in West Miami-Dade. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss current conditions, response operations, and the coordination taking place between #MDFR, the Florida Forest Service, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and other partner agencies. We also discussed current response efforts, community impacts, and ways to continue supporting residents as firefighting operations progress. We appreciate your continued support and partnership as we continue responding to this incident. @SenatorAMR @FLRepAristide @FabianBasabeFL @OmarBlancoFL @RepChambliss @JuanPorrasFL @RepMikeRedondo @TeamAlexRizo

This morning, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue joined Florida Chief Financial Officer @GovGoneWild at the #MDFR Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Florida Task Force 1 (FL-TF1) Training Site in Miami for a hurricane preparedness press conference. Joined by @MDFRChief Ray Jadallah, @MiamiDadeEM Assistant Director Jesse Spearo, @MiamiDade_SO @Sheriff_Rosie and State Representative @OmarBlancoFL, CFO Ingoglia emphasized the importance of preparing before a storm by reviewing insurance coverage, protecting important documents, securing homes and properties, and having a plan in place. MDFR's USAR team plays a critical role in disaster response and recovery efforts. Specially trained personnel provide search and rescue operations, disaster communications, medical support, damage assessments, and coordination of relief supply distribution following major emergencies and natural disasters.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue continues assisting @FlForestService (FFS) under a unified command structure with the 172 Fire in Southeast Miami-Dade. According to FFS, the fire has affected 300 acres and is 50% contained. Air Rescue has been supporting firefighting efforts from above, conducting water drops, while crews remain on the ground to protect nearby communities and mitigate potential exposures. At this time, there are no threats to nearby structures. As weather conditions change throughout the rest of the day, nearby areas may experience smoky conditions due to shifting winds and expected rain, which may cause smoke to lower closer to the ground and impact visibility. Drivers should use caution, remain alert for changing road conditions, and be prepared for possible road closures. Traffic and road updates are available at FL511.com #MDFR reminds our community to take precautions if smoke impacts your area. Those with respiratory conditions, older adults, and children may be especially sensitive to smoke exposure. Stay indoors when possible and set home and vehicle A/C systems to recirculate.