Effingham Fire Department

06/18/2026

8:07p - LARGE TORNADO NORTH OF EFFINGHAM

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

TORNADO RESPONSE – JUNE 17, 2026

At approximately 8:10 p.m. this evening, a tornado caused significant damage in areas north of the City of Effingham, impacting homes, roadways, utilities, and other property throughout portions of Effingham County.

The Effingham Fire Department responded to numerous emergency incidents, primarily in the Shumway and Sigel areas, including:

▪️ Heavily damaged homes
▪️ Collapsed structures
▪️ Motor vehicle crashes
▪️ Downed power lines
▪️ Gas leaks
▪️ Blocked roadways
▪️ Other storm-related emergencies

Our firefighters conducted searches of damaged structures, assisted residents, mitigated hazards, and worked alongside law enforcement, EMS, utility crews, emergency management personnel, public works employees, and mutual aid partners to ensure public safety.

Within the Effingham Fire Department's area that we responded to, several minor injuries were reported; however, no life-threatening injuries were reported. We are also thankful to report that no Effingham Fire Department personnel were injured during response operations.

Tonight's response was a true example of neighbors helping neighbors and agencies working together during a time of need. We extend our sincere appreciation to every responder, utility worker, volunteer, and community member who assisted throughout the evening.

Our thoughts are with the families and property owners impacted by this storm. Recovery efforts and damage assessments will continue over the coming days.

Residents are urged to stay clear of damaged structures, downed power lines, gas leaks, and debris fields. If you encounter a hazardous condition, please notify the appropriate authorities.

Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.

Brant Yochum
Fire Chief
Effingham Fire Department

06/17/2026

06/05/2026

🔒 Parental Awareness Program – Keeping Our Kids Safe

As parents, grandparents, educators, and community members, protecting our children is one of our most important responsibilities.

Join us for an important presentation focused on online exploitation, grooming, and human trafficking. Learn how predators target children, warning signs to watch for, and practical steps you can take to help keep kids safe both online and in person.

📅 June 10, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 New Hope Church
2210 N. Raney St., Effingham, IL

This program is presented through a partnership between the Effingham County State’s Attorney’s Office, Effingham County Sheriff’s Department, SAFE, and New Hope Church.

Whether you are a parent, guardian, teacher, coach, or anyone who works with youth, this presentation will provide valuable information to help protect the children in our community.

Please share this post to help spread awareness and encourage others to attend.

05/28/2026

Today’s duty crew had a special visit from our friends at Legacy Harley-Davidson here in Effingham.

Legacy generously donated custom t‑shirts for our entire department, featuring a unique Maltese Cross blended with the Harley-Davidson logo—a thoughtful nod to the traditions and values of the fire service.

On behalf of the Effingham Fire Department, we want to say thank you to Legacy Harley-Davidson for their support of our firefighters and our community. Your generosity is truly appreciated.

📸 Pictured: today’s duty crew, along with representatives from Legacy Harley-Davidson and their motorcycles.

05/25/2026

Today, members of the Effingham Fire Department conducted drone training alongside the Effingham Police Department and the Effingham County Sheriff's Office, Illinois. Even on Memorial Day, our crews took advantage of the beautiful weather to continue sharpening skills and strengthening interagency coordination.

Training together helps ensure we are prepared to better serve our community during emergencies, searches, disasters, and critical incidents. We appreciate the partnership and teamwork from everyone involved today.

While many enjoyed the holiday, we also remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 🇺🇸

05/20/2026

🚒 Congratulations to Effingham Firefighter Brandon Duncan! 🎉

The Effingham Fire Department would like to congratulate Brandon Duncan on successfully completing the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) Basic Operations Firefighter (BOF) Blended Firefighting Program in Marion, Illinois.

Over the past 18 weeks, Brandon completed more than 200 hours of hands-on training, weekly online virtual learning sessions, assignments, quizzes, and ten practical training weekends. During the program, he also completed Courage to Be Safe, Resiliency Awareness, Opioid Awareness, and the online portion of Fire Service Vehicle Operator (FSVO) training.

This intensive program prepares firefighters to meet the Job Performance Requirements associated with Illinois firefighter certification and requires a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and sacrifice. Brandon’s final step toward certification will be completion of 40 hours of Hazardous Materials Operations training over the next month. Upon completion, he will hold HazMat Awareness and HazMat Operations certifications as well.

This hands-on academy focuses on real-world fireground operations, critical thinking, and safety, preparing firefighters to operate confidently and effectively in emergency situations.

We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice Brandon has shown throughout this program. Please join us in congratulating him and thanking him for his continued commitment to the fire service and to serving the Effingham community. 👏🔥