Captiva fire board receives storm recap, talks new apparatus
The Captiva Island Fire Control District’s commission heard about Hurricane Milton at its recent meeting, as well as discussed the possibilities of a high-water vehicle and beach flag warning system.
On Oct. 15, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul provided the commissioners with a recap of what happened during the storm and the district’s emergency response, as well as an update on the island’s current status.
The district’s phone lines are still not working, but the internet is up though service remains spotty.
“So we still have Starlink as a backup,” he said.
In the case of an emergency, the community should call 911.
For non-emergencies, it can email info@captivafire.com or stop by the fire station.
“Emergency responses have slowed way down from any hazards from propane leaks,” Pawul said.
Since the storm, the district has been asking those with electric vehicles and golf carts to submit an Electric Vehicle Reporting Form on the district’s website so firefighters can check to see if those were submerged in saltwater. Lithium-ion EVs that have been submerged can pose a significant fire risk.
“We did get a good response out of that, so that was a good outreach measure that we did,” he said. “That was something new that we implemented for this storm and it was very beneficial.”
As of Oct. 14, the district had transitioned back to normal staffing and operations.
Also during the meeting, Pawul and the commission discussed the possibility of purchasing a high-water vehicle in the future. The last few storms resulted in surge, plus overwashed sand and debris, that the district’s regular apparatus could not navigate. But the mutual aid vehicle that it borrowed could.
“It shows that the need is 100% there,” he said.
The district still has funding leftover from a recent $150,000 grant, plus impact fees.
“I don’t see a solution on the horizon to stop hurricanes, or flooding, or sand and debris on the roadways,” Pawul said.
Also at the meeting, he and the commissioners discussed a possible beach flag warning system to increase safety on the island. The state has a uniform system that is used in various areas throughout Florida. Different colored flags are put up to advise the public of the current conditions at a beach.
“It kind of goes along with beach safety and the lack of there being lifeguards,” he said.
Through its research, the district learned that it could implement it.
“It’s definitely in our purview as far as emergency response and rescue,” Pawul said.
However, Lee County would have to approve the system, and staff is waiting on a response. If the district were to receive approval, he would like to see it installed at all of the main access points.
“Alison Hagerup, Turner Beach, potentially ‘Tween Waters, maybe Mucky Duck’s entrance, South Seas,” Pawul said. “The goal would be to get it in as many of the heavily populated areas as possible.”
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email