Harvard Fire Protection District

04/18/2026

A Tornado Warning has been issued for our area. A tornado has been radar indicated or reported.

Take shelter immediately in the lowest level of your home, away from windows, in an interior room or basement. If you are in a vehicle or mobile home, move to a sturdy building right away.

UPDATE: The Tornado Warning has been lifted for our area. Heavy rains and strong winds may persist throughout the evening.

04/10/2026

Thank you for everything you do for us too!

The Commission on Professional Credentialing has awarded Public Information Officer designation to Alex Vucha through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

Alex is now one of only 86 credentialed PIOs worldwide and the first in the State of Illinois to achieve this designation.

This milestone reflects the continued growth of the PIO program and a commitment to providing clear, consistent, and reliable communication to the communities we serve.

04/02/2026

With the potential for severe weather this afternoon and evening, make sure you have more than one way to receive alerts.

Outdoor warning sirens are designed for people outside and should not be relied on indoors. Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone and use a trusted weather app with notifications turned on so you receive warnings as they are issued. Storms can develop quickly, and those extra alerts can give you valuable time to take action.

03/18/2026

03/16/2026

HAZARDOUS ROAD CONDITIONS

Route 14 between the Harvard city limits and the Wisconsin state line is impassable. There are multiple semi trucks and other vehicles stuck in the roadway. Please avoid the area until the roadway can be cleared and the vehicles can be removed. Another alert will be sent when the roadway is back open.
Please continue to travel with caution as the wind is causing roadways to remain snow covered, even as the snow begins to end this morning and into the afternoon.
Thank you!

03/16/2026

Just before 9:00 p.m. this evening, crews were called to the area of Route 14 and Bunker Hill Road for a reported water rescue. When firefighters arrived, they found a sedan that had slid off the roadway, down a steep embankment, and into a creek where it came to rest partially submerged.

Fortunately, both occupants, a woman and a child, were able to get themselves out of the vehicle before first responders arrived. Paramedics evaluated both at the scene, and neither required additional medical treatment.

This incident comes as a Blizzard Warning is in effect for the area, and road conditions are already becoming hazardous. With snow, ice, and strong winds expected to worsen overnight, drivers should use extra caution, slow down, and be especially mindful on rural and untreated roads.

03/16/2026

The US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois has issued a blizzard WARNING for McHenry County from 10 p.m. tonight (Sunday, March 15) through 1 p.m. Monday, March 16. Blizzard conditions, coupled with a total snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches, will make travel treacherous. Continue to monitor the forecast and local news for updates.

03/13/2026

***Road Closure - Harvard Area***

State Line Rd and Alden Rd in Harvard will be closed due to wires down in the area. Crews are in the area trying to fix the issue, please avoid the area until further notice.

03/10/2026

On Monday, March 9, at 2:43 p.m., the Harvard Fire Protection District responded to the 20500 block of Bunker Hill Road in unincorporated Marengo for a reported brush fire that had spread out of control.

Firefighters arrived to find an uncontrolled burn moving quickly through grassy farm fields and cattails. Due to the rapid spread and windy conditions, additional brush firefighting apparatus was requested from the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District and the Union Fire Protection District.

The fire was brought under control in about 90 minutes, though crews remained on scene until approximately 5:00 p.m. extinguishing hotspots and flare ups. In total, nearly 30 acres burned and one small piece of farm machinery was damaged. No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported.

This incident is a reminder that outdoor burning during windy conditions can quickly become unmanageable, allowing fire to spread beyond intended burn areas.

03/09/2026

Forecasts are indicating the potential for strong storms across northern Illinois Tuesday afternoon and into the overnight hours. Storms that occur at night can be especially dangerous since many people are asleep when warnings are issued.

Before going to bed, make sure you have multiple ways to receive weather alerts that can wake you up, such as a cell phone with emergency alerts enabled or a NOAA Weather Radio.

03/02/2026

The members of the Harvard Fire Protection District are saddened to share the passing of Amy Crane, who faithfully served our community as a member of our Board of Trustees.

Amy was deeply committed to the mission of the District and to the residents we serve. Her leadership, thoughtful guidance, and steady support of our firefighters and paramedics helped strengthen our organization and the services we provide to the community.

On behalf of our members, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Amy’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved her. Her dedication and service to Harvard will not be forgotten.

https://mccorklefuneralhome.com/obituaries/amy-crane