Hennepin Fire Department

09/11/2026

Today we pause and remember 9-11. We remember how quickly an ordinary morning became a day that changed our nation forever. We remember that evil may leave scars, but it does not get the final word. Courage, sacrifice, love, and hope still stood taller.

We remember those who answered their final call on this day in 2001, and the many innocent lives lost. We pause for the families forever changed, for the first responders who ran toward danger, and for a nation that still carries the weight of that day.

But as we remember what happened on that day, may we also remember what happened tomorrow. We came together. Neighbors helped neighbors. Flags flew from porches. Strangers became friends. Our differences felt smaller than our shared love for one another and for our country.

May that spirit not be something we only remember, but something we choose to live. Be kind. Show empathy. Check on someone. Hug your loved ones. Look for ways to make today better than yesterday.

Always remember. Never forget. Always grateful.

08/22/2026

As many of you are aware, Putnam County experienced multiple tornado warnings last night.

Last night serves as a good reminder to always have multiple ways to receive emergency weather alerts. While storms can certainly be impressive to watch, we kindly ask that you do not go out driving in them. Last night was a perfect example of why. The primary tornado is not always the only threat. Additional areas of rotation can develop quickly, along with flash flooding, damaging winds, downed trees, power lines, and emergency vehicles responding throughout the area.

As a confirmed wall cloud approached the county from the northwest, our department’s trained storm spotters were able to confirm the developing conditions with the National Weather Service. As a funnel cloud developed, a tornado warning was issued. That funnel eventually touched down in the northeastern portion of the county.

Our spotter team continued to monitor and track the progression of the storm and also identified a second area of rotation south southeast of Florid that produced a very brief spin up tornado.

Fortunately, storm damage appears to have been limited primarily to downed branches and trees, along with localized roadway flooding from excessive rainfall. Some areas received more than 3 to 4 inches of rain, particularly along a line northwest of Granville stretching southwest through the Standard area toward Mount Palatine.

If you have storm damage to report, please submit your information to the Putnam County Emergency Management Agency page.

08/22/2026

 Expired
Tornado warning

08/21/2026

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH UNTIL 10 PM

08/21/2026

Thunderstorms are possible today, especially this afternoon and evening along and ahead of a cold front. Severe storms may occur, primarily in Illinois with damaging wind, quarter size hail the main threats. In addition, an isolated tornado can’t be ruled out across northern IL.

08/20/2026

🚒 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: PLEASE DON’T FEED THE FIRE STATION FIRE EXTINGUISHERS 🧯

We’ve noticed a few old, unwanted, spent, or expired fire extinguishers finding their way to the fire station.

First, the good news: We absolutely appreciate everyone checking their fire extinguishers and replacing old or expired equipment with new, working equipment. That’s exactly what we want you to do.

The not-so-good news: Please don’t leave the old ones at the fire station.

The Hennepin Fire Department is not enrolled in or set up for a fire extinguisher disposal or recycling program, so when one gets dropped off, we’re left trying to figure out what to do with it too.

And frankly, we can’t risk these things falling into the wrong hands.

The last thing Hennepin needs is the unofficial village animal, Smokey the Skunk commandeering an abandoned extinguisher and roaming around town trying to prevent rubbish fires. 🦨🧯

If you have an old, expired, or discharged extinguisher, please contact your local waste/recycling provider or an extinguisher service company for guidance on proper disposal. Requirements can vary depending on the extinguisher and whether it still contains pressure.

For more information on properly disposing of an old fire extinguisher, The Home Depot has a great step-by-step guide:

How to Dispose of Fire Extinguishers – The Home Depot https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-dispose-of-fire-extinguishers/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9014ca08ba0

So keep checking those extinguishers. Replace them when needed. Just please don’t retire them at the fire station.

Thank you!

— Hennepin Fire Department 🚒

Fire extinguishers cannot be thrown away in trash and recycle bins. This guide covers how to properly dispose of empty or damaged fire extinguishers.

08/16/2026

08/15/2026

Tractor Drive progressing through the county right now. Please drive with caution if you see this group on the road. They do have volunteers helping guide and control traffic in some areas. If you get a chance, go outside and give them a wave!! what do you mean? 🚜

08/14/2026

A Flood Watch has been reissued for the area through 10 am Saturday. Another round of storms are expected to move across the area tonight bringing an additional 1-3 inches of rain with localized pockets over 4 inches possible.

With saturated soils, additional heavy rain will likely lead to flash flooding late tonight and early Saturday morning. Storms may also be severe with a risk of damaging wind gusts and a low risk of a tornado.

Posted 12:30 pm 8/14/26

08/13/2026

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