Coon Rapids, IA Fire Department

08/14/2026

***OUTDATED POST*** Another round of strong to severe storms is expected today, particularly across central and southern Iowa! Storms are expected to form this afternoon and evening and could bring flash flooding, strong wind, hail, and a tornado or two. Stay weather aware today!

08/13/2026

08/13/2026

***OUTDATED POST***

[8/13/26 5:00AM] As this line of severe storms pushes into Iowa, here is our best estimate for timing through the morning.

08/12/2026

Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to move into eastern Nebraska/western Iowa overnight. Expect a possibility for damaging wind gusts, large hail, heavy rain and isolated flash flooding with any storms that develop.

08/12/2026

Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible overnight into Thursday morning, with damaging winds, large hail, heavy rain, and isolated flash flooding possible.

Keep multiple ways to receive weather alerts and be ready to take shelter if warnings are issued.

Stay safe, C**n Rapids!

Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop in western Nebraska and South Dakota this afternoon, moving into eastern Nebraska/western Iowa overnight. Expect a possibility for damaging wind gusts, large hail, heavy rain and isolated flash flooding with any storms that develop.

08/07/2026

🚨Why Following the MOVER OVER LAW: Iowa Code § 321.324 Matters🚨

When an emergency vehicle is responding with activated lights and sirens, every second matters. The Iowa Move Over Law: Iowa Code § 321.324 requires drivers to immediately yield the right-of-way by safely moving to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway and stopping until the emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer.

This law exists for one simple reason: to save lives.💙

Every delay caused by a driver who fails to yield can increase the time it takes EMS, firefighters, or law enforcement officers to reach someone experiencing a medical emergency, structure fire, serious crash, or other life-threatening situation.

Following Iowa's Move Over law also protects everyone on the roadway. Emergency vehicle operators are trained to respond quickly and safely, but they rely on motorists to do their part by yielding predictably. Drivers who hesitate, stop in the middle of the road, fail to move right, or continue driving without yielding create unnecessary hazards that increase the risk of crashes.

🚗 If you are on a 2 lane highway or street, REGARDLESS of which direction the emergency vehicle is approaching from, same direction of travel or opposite direction of travel from you, you need to pull over to the right and stop.

🚗 If you are on a divided highway or interstate, and an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind, move to the right, slow down and yield to the emergency vehicle as it passes. Be aware of the flow of traffic as to not cause a collision.

👉What Can Happen If You Don't Yield?

Failing to follow the Iowa Move Over Law can have serious consequences, including:

💥Delaying emergency responders from reaching someone who desperately needs help.
💥Increasing the risk of collisions involving emergency vehicles, other motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians.
💥Placing emergency personnel, patients, and the public at greater risk of injury or death.
💥Creating confusion that forces emergency vehicle operators to brake, change course, or take evasive action.
💥Resulting in citations, fines, and other legal consequences under Iowa law.

Remember, when you see an ambulance, fire apparatus, or law enforcement vehicle approaching with lights and sirens:

🌟Stay calm.
🌟Signal and safely move to the right-hand edge of the roadway.
🌟Stop.
🌟Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has completely passed.
🌟Never attempt to outrun, race, or closely follow an emergency vehicle.

Every Driver Plays a Role

Emergency responders cannot help those in need if they cannot safely reach them. By following Iowa Move Over Law, you are doing more than obeying the law—you are helping protect first responders, safeguarding other motorists, and giving someone in crisis the best possible chance of receiving lifesaving care.

Move Right. Yield. Stop. Save Lives. 🚑🚒🚓

08/06/2026

🚒 Truck 5 Update! 🚒

The new Quick Attack Unit (Truck 5) is starting to come together, and we’re excited to share another milestone!

A huge thank you to Deist Autoworks of C**n Rapids for installing this incredible grille guard. It not only gives the truck a sharp, aggressive look, but also adds the protection this unit needs while responding to emergencies. We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out!

Next stop: Feld Fire in Carroll, Iowa, where the custom flatbed and skid unit will be installed. We’re one step closer to getting Truck 5 in service and ready to protect our community.

Stay tuned for more updates as this project continues to take shape. We can’t wait to show you the finished product!

Thank you to everyone who has supported this project! 🚒🇺🇸

07/30/2026

Summer event season is in full swing, and calendars are packed with outdoor concerts, festivals, and games! 🎟️🎶

While nobody wants the show to get paused, safety always comes first. Late summer storms can pop up fast (day or night), and as the graphic says: lightning means the encore is over. ⚡

Keep these quick National Weather Service guidelines in mind next time you head out:

📢 When thunder roars, go indoors: If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike. Don't wait for rain to start moving.

🚗 Real shelter matters: Head into a sturdy building or a hard-topped car. Tents, open pavilions, and trees don't protect you from lightning!

⏱️ Wait it out: Stick around in your shelter for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before heading back to the crowd.

Have fun out there, keep an eye on the sky, and stay safe! 🌩️

Be sure to check the forecast at weather.gov/ or weather.gov/forecastpoints/

🔗 Full safety guidelines: weather.gov/lightning

07/30/2026

When flash flooding threatens your area, every minute matters. Have multiple ways to receive alerts & follow local officials for updates. Stay off bridges over fast-moving water & never walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Turn around, don’t drown.

➡️ ready.gov/floods

07/27/2026

***Outdated Post*** Dangerously hot and humid conditions will persist for much of Iowa again on Monday, though some relief will begin to arrive over northwest Iowa. High temperatures will be in the 90s with heat index values in the 100 to 115 degree range. Practice good heat safety and avoid prolonged time outdoors. If you must be outdoors, heat illness could occur. Make sure to take frequent breaks in the A/C or shade, and drink plenty of water. Never leave kids or pets in a car unattended.