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Plans set for fire convention: downtown street closures, competitions and drone show
Summary
Organizers and staff described plans for a multi-day 2026 fire convention that would stage competitions downtown, require targeted street closures and hydrant/truck support, and include a drone show and band performance. Staff recommended notifying merchants and coordinating staging to avoid blocking the post office alley.
City staff introduced plans for a multi-day 2026 fire convention, saying competitions would use Grand Avenue and portions of East Main and South Madison and require temporary street closures and logistical support.
"For competitions or convention, it would be we'll start on Grand Ave... Friday for competitions, I'm hoping I can do them downtown," said Tanner de Mons, the presenter introduced to the council to explain routing, hydrant needs and barricade plans. He and council members discussed which blocks to use to protect business access and keep the post office alley open.
Staff and council discussed safety and operations: water trucks and sandbags for event operations, porta-potty placement, coordination with merchants via postcards and door notices, and staging at the former Iowa Electric site. The presenter also explained event timing, including band music starting at 5:30 p.m. and a drone show expected around 8:30 p.m., and suggested vantage points (Saint Mary's parking lot, farmer's market) for spectators.
Council members asked staff to include a street-closure request on the next Monday agenda and to coordinate merchant notification and traffic/barricade logistics in advance of the event.
