Argenta-Oreana Fire Department

05/04/2026

INTERNATIONAL FIREFIGHTERS’ DAY
🚒🔥 May 4 🔥🚒

Today we honor the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of firefighters everywhere.

From the first call to the final overhaul, you stand ready to protect lives, property, and our community—no matter the risk.

Argenta-Oreana Fire Protection District
We Care. We Serve.

Thank you to all firefighters—past, present, and future and to the families who support them every day.

04/27/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bb9DWbyw5/?mibextid=wwXIfr

OUTDATED POST

4/27/26, 618 pm

TORNADO WARNING FOR MACON COUNTY impacting the Northwest and heading to Northeast of the county

Take shelter Now

04/27/2026

Significant chance for severe weather all day today 4/27

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18jSqmpuZF/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Today's severe risk is increasing in southern parts and decreasing in northern parts. Central IL remains in the middle ground where it could go either way.

An AM round of storms is moving through and this is going to really damper severe chances from Peoria and points north. In fact, we think northern IL won't see much but should still watch to be safe.

South of Peoria and down to Springfield an AM round is moving in bringing Damaging winds and isolated tornadoes. This may be the main event for this corridor. Severe risk this afternoon here is decreasing too.

South of Springfield is where severe risk is increasing. AM storms will exit and instability will really build. This will create a volatile environment in place for significant severe weather including violent tornadoes, destructive winds and massive hail. If you live south of Springfield, more specifically around the Saint Louis to Mt Vernon region south to Marion and points west, begin preparing and postponing plans to be safe. You're in the main region of concern.

We think areas north of Springfield could be downgraded this afternoon with the risk remaining high south.

-Carlos

04/07/2026

Storm spotter training tomorrow night at Richland community college

04/05/2026

Happy Easter from the AOFPD family to yours

03/22/2026

Yesterday was an extremely busy day for our department, as well as many others in our area. In total, we responded to 8 calls, 5 of which involved fires. We provided mutual aid on 2 calls outside of our district and received mutual aid on 3 calls within our district.

At 4:22 p.m., we were dispatched to a brush fire that had spread to a barn. Engine 724 and 712 arrived first on scene first. Engine 724 deployed a crosslay and quickly brought the fire under control. Mutual aid was canceled, and the incident was brought to a close in a short amount of time. We had 4 units respond—712, 723, 724, and 726—with a total of 13 members.

At 5:22 p.m., we were dispatched to a barn fire. Assistant Chief Michener arrived on scene to find a barn with all doors closed and heavy smoke showing. Engine 724 was first due and crews quickly deployed lines and gained access to the structure. Due to the rural location, porta tanks were set up and a water shuttle operation was established. With the assistance of crews from Cerro Gordo, Cisco, Hickory Point, and Maroa, the fire was extinguished and overhaul operations began.

While operating on this incident, we were dispatched to another call within our district involving a controlled leaf burn that was beginning to spread toward a wooded area. 712 worked with mutual aid departments on scene to assemble a response crew while other personnel remained to complete operations at the barn fire. This is a great example of how critical mutual aid is. Crews from multiple departments came together seamlessly to handle both incidents without hesitation or complaint. A special thank you to Captain Wiggins from Cisco, who offered his engine and took command of that incident.

If you see members from our department—or any of the assisting departments—please take a moment to thank them. Yesterday’s response required approximately six hours away from their families and personal time on what was a beautiful day.

Chief Michener and I would like to thank every member who responded. Your dedication and commitment does not go unnoticed. I would also like to extend a special thank you to Chief 411, Chief 412, Chief 951, and Captain 953 for their teamwork and coordination during the final two incidents.

Assistant Chief Michener

03/15/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/176meFewzc/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Tornado watch issued for central IL. Storms are nearing the IL River now. Not severe yet but they may soon.

03/10/2026

Very active weather coming in tonight.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C9fYLKW7v/?mibextid=wwXIfr

03/02/2026

At 12:07 a.m. this morning, we were dispatched to I-72 at mile marker 149 for a three-vehicle accident involving a semi. While en route, dispatch advised that an additional vehicle had just become involved in the same crash. Due to the unknown number of patients, Hickory Point Fire Protection District was requested to assist.

Upon arrival, crews found a semi blocking all westbound lanes, one vehicle in the median, one vehicle in the north ditch, and another vehicle with heavy damage near the semi. The occupants of the heavily damaged vehicle required extrication due to the extent of the damage.

Our crews successfully extricated two patients and, alongside Hickory Point Fire Protection District, provided simultaneous care to five additional patients.

In total, seven patients were transported to local hospitals by Abbott EMS.

We would like to extend our appreciation to:
Illinois State Police
Illinois Department of Transportation
Macon County Sheriff's Office
Central Illinois Regional Dispatch Center

Managing an incident of this magnitude, with multiple vehicles and patients, is no easy task. Having a dedicated team and strong partnerships with all responding agencies makes a tremendous difference.

Please use caution if traveling this morning. There will likely be slick spots until the sun comes up and conditions improve.

Thank you again to everyone involved — this was truly a team effort.

Stay safe,
Fire Chief
Kurt L. Michener

02/27/2026

🔥🔥 FIRE WARNING 🔥🔥

Advisory Only

Fire departments across Macon County have responded to multiple grass and brush fires over the past several days. Conditions are extremely dry, and with even a slight breeze, fires can spread rapidly and become difficult to control.

At this time, no burn ban has been issued.

However, we are asking for voluntary compliance from residents to either refrain from burning or ensure you are 100% certain your fire will remain contained.

With rain in the upcoming forecast, conditions should improve over the next couple of weeks, allowing for safer burning. If you are able to wait until conditions improve, that is strongly encouraged.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping keep our communities safe.

Thank you,
Fire Chief
Kurt L. Michener