5 Critical Updates On Citrus County Fire Rescue: New Stations, $2.3M Grants, And The 2025 Safety Mandates
The Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) is undergoing a significant transformation in 2025, marked by major federal funding, strategic facility upgrades, and a critical expansion of its frontline personnel. As of late 2025, the department is actively implementing a multi-million-dollar plan designed to enhance emergency response times and improve public safety for thousands of residents across Citrus County, Florida. This comprehensive overview dives into the most crucial, up-to-date changes, from the approval of the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 budget to the strategic relocation of a key fire station.
The commitment to public safety has never been clearer, with CCFR securing substantial grant money for both equipment and staffing, directly addressing the growing needs of the community. Residents need to be aware of these changes, as they directly impact the quality and speed of emergency services, including the latest safety warnings and the current status of the county-wide burn ban issued by Fire Chief Craig Stevens.
The Command Structure and Core Mission: A CCFR Department Profile
Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) serves as the primary emergency response agency for the county, operating under the direction of the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The department is structured to provide comprehensive fire suppression, emergency medical services, and specialized technical rescue capabilities across its large service area.
Key Department Entities and Statistics:
- Official Name: Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)
- Head of Department: Fire Chief Craig Stevens
- Administrative Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Active Fire Stations: 10 active fire stations strategically located throughout the county.
- Primary Apparatus: The fleet includes 8 Primary Fire Engines, 1 Technical Rescue Engine/Squad, 1 Ladder Truck (107'), and 1 Quick Response Vehicle.
- Response Ratings: CCFR maintains upgraded Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratings, which often translate to lower insurance costs for homeowners, and a confirmed Community Rating System (CRS) flood rating.
A List of Key CCFR Fire Stations:
The department maintains a wide network of stations to ensure rapid deployment to incidents across the region, including:
- Fire Station 2 (105 S Apopka Ave)
- Fire Station 3 (8408 West Homosassa Trail, Homosassa)
- Fire Station 5 (3673 East Orange Drive, Hernando)
- Fire Station 7 (800 North Rock Crusher Road, Crystal River)
- Fire Station 8 (The subject of a major relocation project)
Major Funding Wins and Personnel Expansion in 2025
The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment for CCFR's operational capacity, thanks to the successful acquisition of two major federal grants. These funds are specifically earmarked to enhance equipment technology and significantly boost staffing levels, directly impacting the department's ability to respond to emergencies.
1. The SAFER Grant: Hiring 13 New Firefighters
The most substantial financial boost comes from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant. This critical federal funding provides nearly $2.1 million ($2,099,565) over three years. The primary goal of the SAFER grant is to support the hiring of 13 new public safety positions within Citrus County Fire Rescue. This expansion is vital for maintaining adequate staffing levels and reducing the burden on existing crews, ultimately improving the speed and effectiveness of emergency response services across the county.
2. FEMA Grant for Equipment Upgrades
In addition to staffing, CCFR was also awarded a federal grant of over $238,000 ($238,930.52) through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security / Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This grant is dedicated to upgrading essential equipment, ensuring that firefighters have the latest tools and technology necessary to combat complex incidents, from structure fires to technical rescues. This focus on modernizing equipment is a key component of the department's long-term strategy.
3. Fiscal Stability: The 2024/2025 Budget Approval
The Citrus County BOCC approved the preliminary budget for Fiscal Year 2024/2025, which includes funding for Fire Rescue. Notably, the total millage rate for the county is set to remain at 8.9302 mills, a consistent rate from the previous fiscal year. This financial stability ensures that core services, including fire and emergency services, can continue without unexpected tax increases related to the department's operational costs.
The Future of Protection: New Stations and Critical Safety Initiatives
Looking ahead, CCFR is not just focused on personnel and equipment; it is actively working to optimize its physical infrastructure to better serve a growing population. The relocation of a major fire station is one of the most significant capital improvement projects currently underway.
The Critical Relocation of Fire Station #8
Citrus County Fire Rescue is requesting a Local Funding Initiative of $3.5 million for the construction of a new fire station. This project involves the strategic relocation of Fire Station #8 to a new, more optimal location. The primary goal of this relocation is to dramatically increase the service area, with projections showing the new station will serve an additional 7,200 homes. This initiative is a direct response to population growth and development, aiming to reduce emergency response times for thousands of residents in the expanded coverage zone.
Current Public Safety Alerts and Warnings
In addition to long-term planning, CCFR is continuously managing immediate public safety concerns. Residents should be aware of the following current mandates and warnings:
- County-Wide Burn Ban: A burn ban is currently in effect for Citrus County, effective November 15, 2025. Residents must adhere to this ban to prevent the outbreak of wildfires, which pose a significant risk, especially during dry periods. Fire Chief Stevens is the contact for this official status.
- Electrical Fire Warning: Following a recent incident where an electrical fire destroyed a shed, Citrus County fire crews issued a public extension cord warning. The department urges residents to use extension cords safely, avoid overloading circuits, and ensure cords are rated for their intended use to prevent tragic electrical fires.
- Recent Incidents: CCFR personnel have been actively responding to recent emergencies, including a late-night house fire in Sugarmill Woods that resulted in a fatality and other structure fires across the county. These incidents underscore the daily risks faced by firefighters and the crucial role they play in the community.
The combined efforts of new hiring through the SAFER grant, essential equipment upgrades via the FEMA grant, and the strategic relocation of Fire Station #8 demonstrate a robust, forward-thinking approach by the Citrus County Fire Rescue. These initiatives ensure that as Citrus County grows, its emergency services infrastructure is modernized and expanded to meet the critical needs of every resident, reinforcing the department's dedication to safety and rapid response.
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