Oviedo, Fla. — The Oviedo Fire Department has added a new tool to its emergency response fleet, placing its new wildland brush fire and rescue truck into service.
Known as Woods 48, the specialized vehicle officially began service on July 4 and is designed to respond to both brush fires and high-water rescue emergencies.
The city received a $275,000 state award in June 2023 to purchase the vehicle. In August, State Rep. David Smith presented a check to the Oviedo City Council to fund the purchase of the apparatus from Skeeter Emergency Vehicles. The department also received an additional $275,000 for equipment, bringing the total state funding to $550,000.
“We are pleased the vehicle is in service and ready for use,” Oviedo Fire Chief Michael Woodward said. “Our firefighters are confident and ready to respond to brush fire or flooding emergencies.”
City officials said the truck will play a critical role in protecting residents and natural areas throughout Oviedo, where neighborhoods border wooded and brush-filled areas that can become vulnerable to wildfire activity, particularly during lightning storms.
“This truck is valuable to our department because of the many functions it can perform,” Woodward said. “Our department can respond much faster to brush fires and flooding rescues, reducing risks to our residents and their property.”
In addition to its wildfire response capabilities, Woods 48 can be converted into a high-water rescue vehicle during the rainy season. The department said that flexibility is especially important after Oviedo experienced significant flooding during Hurricane Ian in 2022.
During flooding events, the truck can safely navigate water-covered streets and assist with evacuations when conditions become hazardous, helping firefighters reach residents who need assistance.
Fire officials said the vehicle’s dual-purpose design will improve response times and expand the department’s ability to handle two of Central Florida’s most common weather-related emergencies: wildfires and flooding.
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