Tensions may be high between some of the residents out on the Prairie and the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, but when he was needed, Deputy Bryan Holden did not hesitate to jump in and rescue some horses from a deadly fire last Saturday, Feb. 9. According to the owner of the horses, Joni Davis, he saved their lives, and if not for his quick thinking, it could have been a devastating day. As a matter of fact, Ms. Davis said many members of the Prairie community worked together to help, and she appreciates every one of them.

According to the Florida Forest Service, the fire was caused by an abandoned campfire, and Ms. Davis says no one had permission to be on the property and they certainly did not have her permission to have a campfire.

A second wildfire was suppressed the following day, this one a 25-acre wildfire off Northeast 101st Street. According to The Florida Forest Service, gusty winds from the southeast quickly spread the fire via dry grass, but with quick responses from county and state firefighters, an unoccupied barn, double-wide trailer and two campers were spared.

Senior Forest Ranger Gary Davenport of the Florida Forest Service says, “We are asking people to be vigilant about wildfire safety, and if they see a fire that doesn’t look right or is unattended, please call 911 immediately.”