OKEECHOBEE — Okeechobee County firefighters were busy last week as they responded to multiple fires as well as the usual calls for medical assistance and auto accidents.

Okeechobee County Fire Rescue responded to a home on Northwest 32^nd Avenue regarding reports of a gas leak at approximately 5:15 p.m. on Nov. 24. No further information was provided.

A second gas leak was found at Joey’s Pizza on Nov. 26 at approximately 1:15 p.m. Firefighters were dispatched regarding reports of a propane smell. When crews entered the establishment, the smell became even stronger. The owner of the restaurant was advised to contact a gas repairman to have the lines assessed. The previous day, work was done on those lines, the owner stated. The gas lines were shut off for safety until this could be completed.

On Nov. 27, Station 2 was dispatched at approximately 10:45 a.m. to the Dew Drop In regarding a structure fire. When they arrived on scene, they found heavy smoke coming from a single-wide mobile home with an attached room. A neighbor was spraying water inside the attached room using a water hose. They found no flames but several hot spots. They determined the cause of the fire to have been an electrical outlet in the attached room. There was an AC unit plugged in and running. The owners were not home, but the neighbors were able to get inside and get the dogs that were inside in crates.

A similar incident on the 28^th drew Station 1 to the scene on Southwest Fifth Avenue. The alarm was called in at approximately 1:30 a.m. when firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke coming from all sides of the building, and the owner said there was no one inside. When crews entered the home, they were met with high heat and thick smoke. They were able to quickly control the fire in the main room and then ventured into the other rooms, looking for any extensions of the fire. An attached sunroom suffered the most damage. Investigation revealed a round metal fire pit on the rear pool deck area. Some of the deck boards were burned completely through, and investigators believe the fire spread upwards into the eaves of the structure. The homeowner and witnesses told firefighters the fire in the pit burned itself down to ash, and they used a lid to cover it. A man, sleeping in the sunroom was first to feel the flames and the noise from the fire. He was able to wake everyone else and get them outside. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental.

Also on the 28^th, Station 1 was dispatched to Northwest 20^th Trail at approximately 1:15 p.m. regarding a plane crash. The pilot, a 71-year-old man was examined by EMS but had no complaint. No further information was released.

OCFR responded to a total of 132 calls between Nov. 24 and Nov. 30. The calls included 89 medical emergencies, 14 motor vehicle accidents and several outdoor fires.