Rochester Fire Department

09/04/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2026

Rochester Fire Department Responds to 47 Calls During Severe Storm

ROCHESTER, MI — The Rochester Fire Department responded to 47 calls for service within the City of Rochester as a major storm swept through Metro Detroit yesterday, causing widespread damage and power outages throughout the community.

During the storm and its aftermath, Rochester firefighters responded to a wide range of emergencies, including numerous reports of downed power lines, downed and damaged utility poles, fallen trees, trees into buildings, fires, fire alarms, carbon monoxide investigations, medical emergencies, elevator rescues, and motor vehicle accidents.

Department personnel worked continuously throughout the storm and into the aftermath, prioritizing calls based on life safety and the severity of each incident while managing an unusually high volume of emergencies across the city.

As of Friday, September 4, a significant portion of Rochester remains without electrical power. While the storm has passed, many hazards remain throughout the city, particularly around damaged trees, utility poles, and electrical infrastructure. Residents are asked to remain cautious as utility and cleanup crews continue their work.

Generator and Power Outage Safety

• Never operate a portable generator inside a home, garage, basement, shed, or other enclosed or partially enclosed area. Generators produce carbon monoxide, an odorless and potentially deadly gas.

• Keep generators outdoors and well away from doors, windows, and vents where exhaust could enter a building.

• Make sure your home has working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, particularly when using a generator or other alternative power source.

• Never attempt to power a home by plugging a generator directly into a household outlet. This can create a dangerous backfeed condition and place utility workers and others at risk.

• Treat every downed power line as energized and dangerous. Stay well away from downed wires and anything they may be touching, including trees, fences, vehicles, standing water, and damaged utility poles.

• Stay clear of leaning, broken, or damaged utility poles. Even if no wires are visibly down, electrical equipment and lines may still be energized.

• Do not attempt to remove trees or branches that are touching or near electrical lines or utility equipment.

• Use flashlights or battery-powered lighting whenever possible instead of candles.

• If you smell natural gas, hear a hissing sound, or suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately and call 911 from a safe location.

• Check on neighbors, particularly older adults and anyone who may need additional assistance during an extended power outage.

Residents are also reminded that carbon monoxide alarms should never be ignored. If a CO alarm activates, move everyone to fresh air and call 911. Do not assume the alarm is simply related to the power outage or generator use.

The Rochester Fire Department appreciates the patience and cooperation of residents as firefighters, police officers, public works personnel, utility crews, and other partners continue working to address hazards and restore normal conditions throughout the community.

Please continue to use caution throughout the city. Do not approach downed wires, damaged utility poles, or trees entangled with electrical lines. When in doubt, stay away from the hazard and call for assistance.

Rochester Fire Department
City of Rochester, Michigan

07/17/2026

Air Quality Alert extended through Saturday.

While conditions have improved some from yesterday, air quality remains poor throughout the state. Take appropriate precautions and limit outdoor activities when possible.

07/17/2026

Unfortunately no Dancin’ in the Streets tonight. Hopefully tomorrow will continue as scheduled!

🚨 EVENT UPDATE 🚨

Due to continued air quality concerns, Dancin' in the Street has been cancelled for today (Friday 7/17).

We apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment. While we're disappointed to make this announcement, the health and safety of our attendees, performers, and staff will always be our top priority.

Sidewalk Sales will continue as scheduled today. We have encouraged participating merchants to move their sales indoors if possible.

The good news is that the air quality is currently projected to return to normal levels tomorrow, and we are planning to move forward with Saturday's Dancin' in the Street festivities as scheduled. We will continue to monitor conditions closely and share any updates if necessary.

Thank you for your understanding, flexibility, and continued support. We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!

07/14/2026

🚒 Rochester Swears in New Team Members 🚑

Last night, during the Rochester City Council meeting, we were proud to officially swear in six of our seven new Firefighter/Paramedics as the newest members of the Rochester Fire Department family.

These dedicated professionals have committed themselves to serving and protecting the Rochester community, and we are excited to welcome them to our team. Over the coming weeks, they will begin orientation and field training as they prepare to serve alongside our current members.

Please join us in welcoming our newest firefighters and wishing them success as they begin this exciting chapter of their careers!

FF/Paramedic Ken McLaurin
FF/Paramedic Atherium Bommarito
FF/Paramedic Gavin Rose
FF/Paramedic Anthony Bono
FF/Paramedic Lee Yott
Recruit/Paramedic Taylor Dodder
FF/Paramedic Dan Rapp (Not Pictured)

Congratulations, and welcome to the Rochester Fire Department! 👏🔥

07/09/2026

Rochester Fire is a proud member of MABAS 3201 Technical Rescue Team! 8 members of our department participate with this team that specializes in advance rescues such as rope rescue, building collapse, trench collapse, confined space, water rescues, and missing person searches. These members have all completed numerous hours of advance training for these high-risk, low frequency incidents. The team averages 4-8 callouts per year and is made up of members from 16 departments.

We are especially proud that two of our members hold leadership roles within the team. FF/EMT Andrew Zaccagnini serves as the Program Manager overseeing administration and day-to-day management of the team, and Captain Rico Damico serves as a Rescue Team Manager overseeing operational coordination and equipment readiness.

Rochester Fire remains committed to providing the best service for our citizens and supporting our neighbors during major incidents. Joint training such as this allows teams to come together and learn from each other, understand different equipment and methodologies, and prepare to work seamlessly together when every second counts. These highly technical incidents require a large amount of equipment and manpower that no one agency can support. Working together, we all help to keep our communities safe.

Send a message to learn more

07/05/2026

07/03/2026

Don't forget! will conduct an Outdoor Warning Sirens test tomorrow, July 4th at 1pm. These sirens are to alert those outdoors of dangers like tornadoes. For indoor notifications, rely on NOAA radios, mobile alerts, or .

06/24/2026

Congrats to our leadership team!