Cherokee Fire Department

06/20/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of retired Cherokee firefighter Hank Hayes.

Henry T. “Hank” Hayes, age 80, passed away unexpectedly on June 17, 2026. Hank dedicated years of service to the Cherokee Fire Department and our community, answering the call whenever help was needed. His commitment, experience, and friendship left a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of serving alongside him.

We extend our deepest condolences to Hank’s family, friends, and all who knew him. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Thank you for your service, Hank. Your dedication to the fire service and the Cherokee community will not be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother. We have it from here. 🚒🖤

View Henry T. "HANK" Hayes's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/13/2026

Mutual aid response with Aurelia Fire Department for a silo fire.

Crews were on scene for an extended period of time working to access and extinguish the fire. Cherokee Fire utilized Tower 1 to assist with operations, including cutting into the side of the silo to gain access to the fire area.

Strong work by all agencies involved.

06/11/2026

Training Night Recap 🚒

Tonight’s training focused on vehicle-related operations with three hands-on stations.

Crews reviewed vehicle stabilization using struts, airbags, and extrication tools on vehicles donated by Stavers. Firefighters also practiced vehicle fire suppression using a training vehicle that can be relit for repeated live-fire extinguisher training. Finally, members trained on Cherokee County Emergency Management’s new cattle panel trailer and its deployment for livestock incidents, storm-damaged barns, and other situations requiring temporary animal containment.

Thank you to Stavers and Cherokee County Emergency Management for helping make this training possible. Continuous training keeps our members prepared for the wide variety of emergencies we may face. 🚒👨‍🚒💪

06/08/2026

We are proud to serve alongside individuals who embody what it means to put others first.

Recently, while conducting personal business at North Star Community Credit Union, one of our own, Firefighter Heath Ross, found himself in the right place at the right time during an unexpected medical emergency. Without hesitation, Heath stepped in and took action.

While Heath was not on duty and was simply going about his day, his actions reflect the character, compassion, and commitment to service that he brings to our department and our community every day.

We appreciate North Star Community Credit Union for recognizing Heath’s actions and are proud to have him as a member of Cherokee Fire Department. Please join us in thanking Firefighter Heath Ross for his willingness to help others when it mattered most.

Cherokee is fortunate to have community members who step forward when called upon—and we are fortunate to have Heath on our team.

Not all heroes wear capes.

Recently, during an unexpected medical emergency, someone in our community stepped in without hesitation to help. Their quick thinking, calm presence, and willingness to act made a meaningful difference in a moment that mattered. Thank you, Heath Ross, for stepping in when it was needed.

We’re grateful for the people in our community who do the right thing when it counts.

Cherokee is fortunate. ❤️

06/03/2026

On Saturday, May 30th, members of the Cherokee Fire Department traveled to Sgt. Bluff to participate in a hands-on training opportunity hosted by the Des Moines Area Metro FOOLS and Elkhart Brass.

The class focused on nozzle maintenance, nozzle operations, and practical hose stream application. Firefighters had the opportunity to flow various nozzle configurations while discussing nozzle selection and fireground performance. The training also included a review of friction loss calculations and how understanding hose hydraulics can improve efficiency and effectiveness on the fireground.

Continuous training is essential to providing the highest level of service to our community. Opportunities like this allow our members to learn from experienced instructors, exchange ideas with firefighters from across the region, and sharpen skills that can make a difference when lives and property are on the line.

Thank you to the Sgt Bluff Fire Department, Des Moines Area Metro FOOLS, and Elkhart Brass for providing an excellent day of training and sharing your knowledge with firefighters from across Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

05/30/2026

A weakening line of thunderstorms will move northeast into south central South Dakota late tonight into early Sunday morning.

The main hazards will be isolated storms producing damaging wind gusts up to 65 mph and hail up to the size of quarters.

Ensure you have methods to receive warnings and that you know where safe shelter is located, especially if spending time outdoors this weekend.

05/28/2026

𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: May 27, 2026
𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 20:42
𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐫: House on Fire
𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 818 W Cedar St., Cherokee
𝐄𝐧𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞: 20:46
𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 20:49

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞: Cherokee Fire responded with Rescue 2, Tower 1, Engine 1, Engine 3, Command, and 22 firefighters. Cherokee Regional Medical Center Ambulance, Cherokee Police Department, Cherokee County Emergency Management, Alliant Energy, and MidAmerican Energy also assisted on scene.

𝐎𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: Large residential structure fire with heavy smoke showing from the basement.

𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: Upon arrival, Rescue 2 found heavy smoke coming from the basement of the residence. Three firefighters advanced to the basement and initiated fire attack. Crews encountered high heat conditions in the basement but were able to confine and extinguish the fire.

Tower 1 arrived on scene, and four firefighters conducted a search of the first and second floors. The search was completed, and all areas were reported clear.

After the fire was extinguished, crews ventilated the structure and conducted overhaul in the area of the fire. Firefighters remained on scene checking for extension and removing smoke from the home.

The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical in nature, originating near the electrical panel. Damage is estimated at approximately $45,000. No injuries were reported.

𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 22:30
𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞: 22:41

05/24/2026

**THIS POST CONTAINS OUTDATED INFORMATION.**

Mid day update:

Today's severe storm risk has been upgraded to a level 2/5 slight risk!

Large hail up to 2 inches and damaging winds to 65 mph remain the primary hazards.

Make sure you know a safe location to take shelter in if you will be out and about today!

05/22/2026

Cherokee County’s request to be added to the Governor’s disaster proclamation has been approved.

Details for disaster assistance can be found at

https://homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/disasters/individual-disaster-assistance-programs