From the Cary Fire Protection District:
Cary Fire Protection District Responds to Storm-Related Incidents
On the evening of Saturday, August 16, 2025, two strong storms moved through the Cary Fire Protection District, which includes the Village of Cary, Oakwood Hills, and Trout Valley.
These evening storms produced nearly 70 weather-related calls for service within just five hours and caused the most significant damage, particularly in and around downtown Cary, with widespread wind destruction affecting homes, businesses, and roadways.
A third storm moved through overnight, creating additional localized flooding but without the strong winds of the earlier storms.
Including overnight and morning responses, firefighters handled close to 100 storm-related calls.
No weather-related injuries were reported.
Firefighters responded primarily to emergency situations, including downed power lines, natural gas equipment damage, and other hazardous conditions.
Calls for downed wires continued overnight and into Sunday morning, and additional hazards were discovered during daylight hours as cleanup efforts progressed.
Deputy Fire Chief Mark Pelletreau, who oversaw much of the overnight fire responses, said,
“Our firefighters handled an extraordinary workload as multiple storms moved through the district. Crews worked tirelessly for several hours, prioritizing emergencies such as downed power lines, natural gas leaks, and flooding issues. This was a true team effort, and we were supported by ComEd, Nicor, law enforcement, township crews, public works, and our dispatchers who managed an overwhelming call volume. That coordination allowed us to address hazards quickly and keep the community safe during a very challenging night.”
The Cary Fire Protection District extends its appreciation to all agencies that assisted in keeping the community safe during these severe weather events.
This includes the dispatchers who managed the high call volume and coordinated responses throughout the storms.
ComEd crews remain out in force working to restore power and rebuild utilities, and Nicor crews have been addressing natural gas emergencies caused by storm damage.
Firefighters will continue to support recovery efforts as needed in the days ahead.
As supplemental information, the Village of Cary has declared a state of emergency due to the severe and damaging weather conditions, which caused significant damage and widespread power outages.
The Village has also announced that brush pickup will begin the week of August 25, with more details to follow.
The Village has additionally advised residents to be cautious of restoration companies soliciting services in the aftermath of the storms.
Solicitors in the Village of Cary are required to obtain a permit through the Cary Police Department, which includes a written application and background check.
Approved solicitors are issued an ID card with their photograph.
For questions, or to verify a solicitor, residents may call the Cary Police Department’s non-emergency number at 847-639-2341.
It is also a violation of Village code for any solicitor, even permitted ones, to approach residences where a “No Soliciting” notice is posted.
The Cary Fire Protection District reminds residents to avoid downed wires, treat all lines as energized, and call 911 to report emergencies.
