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Deputy chief: crews handled more than 120 calls during six-hour flood response
Summary
A deputy fire chief described the on-scene response, mutual-aid support and operational prioritization during the flash flood, reporting approximately 120 calls over about six hours and noting prioritization of life-safety incidents over basement pumping.
A deputy/acting fire chief (speaker 3) detailed the Crystal Fire Department—ommand and operational response during the flash-flood night. He said the department initially handled a flood of calls alone, quickly deployed mutual-aid partners from surrounding townships and established a command center at the fire hall.
"We fielded over 120 calls in a 6 hour period," the deputy said, describing a six-hour response window and a mix of water rescues, electrical-hazard calls and structural issues. He said crews prioritized emergencies such as gas leaks and collapsed roadways and used triage to allocate pumps and personnel where life-safety needs were greatest. Staff also coordinated with road crews, police and National Fuel to manage logistics and energy-related hazards.
Councilors and residents praised volunteers and mutual-aid partners; a community member noted the speed of local assistance and the department's ability to coordinate with county resources. The deputy recommended planning for future events, including logistics such as feeding crews and ensuring staging and mutual-aid protocols are clear.
