Severe storms dumped several inches of rain across the Midwest over the weekend, smashing daily rainfall records and causing flash flooding. IAFF members responded to hundreds of emergency calls – from gas leaks to flooded homes.
Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, and surrounding areas were among the hardest hit. Milwaukee Timmerman Airport reported 14.5”, the largest verified total.
“We haven’t seen rainfall like this in probably 20 years. But as soon as the waters started to rise, our brothers and sisters were ready to respond,” 5th District Vice President Mahlon Mitchell said. “All hands were working even as some members were experiencing some flooding in their own homes. I am very proud of the hard work they put in to keep the public safe.”
Mitchell said no members have reported being displaced, but several have experienced flooding in their basements. “The IAFF is ready to assist as needs arise,” he said.
The storms moved into the area Aug. 9 and didn’t start letting up until the following day. The water quickly began to rise, flooding businesses, homes, and streets.
“We responded to more than 600 calls, including two large fires, gas leaks, flooded basements, submerged cars and water rescues in the first few hours of the storm,” said Milwaukee Local 215 President Eric Daun. “Milwaukee and the surrounding departments were needed to handle the volume.”
As of Monday, waters were receding and calls slowing. Accordingly, Daun says the Milwaukee Fire Department has given members who have experienced flooding leave to secure their residences.
