Cedar Rapids Fire Department

06/19/2026

Fireworks season is upon us!
The stands are up and the temptation to use your new "Thunder Boom Sky Ripper Deluxe missile battery" is tough to resist.
But your self-control will pay off July 3 and 4 when fireworks are authorized for discharge inside City limits.

Just like last year, the sale of fireworks is now authorized but the USE of them is illegal until July 3 and 4.

Be safe when you do use fireworks. Light them only on private property-that means no discharge of fireworks on City streets or parks. Please, clean up your debris and make sure you soak the exploded materials before putting them in your CURBY cart.

Happy 250th birthday, America!

06/18/2026

He says he "just wanted to ride backward in an engine and fight fires".
Cedar Rapids Fire Chief Greg Smith moved one step closer to retirement today with a public open house and celebration of his 32-year career with the City of Cedar Rapids.

Mayor O'Donnell presented him with a plaque noting his servant heart and dedication. She spoke of his leadership and giving nature in memories from when she first took office and his commitment to helping the city prepare for, and recover from, disasters.

He's got a few more days with us but this was a great start to his new adventures in retirement.

06/15/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(June 14, 2026 - 10:50p.m.)

Cedar Rapids Fire Dept Extinguishes NE Garage Fire
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Cedar Rapids, IA – Cedar Rapids firefighters were called to the 6500 block of Asbury Ln NE at approximately 7:42 Sunday evening.
On scene, they found an attached garage with heavy fire showing. They initiated immediate fire suppression efforts and confirmed all residents of the home were able to safely escape before their arrival.

The fire was safely extinguished and damage to the garage is extensive. Living quarters were also affected by smoke and firefighting efforts.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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06/13/2026

Our friends at Iowa's News Now helped us start the process of seeing Chief Greg Smith ease into retirement with this story tonight.
He doesn't leave for a couple weeks, but this sorry helps us get ready to see him start a new chapter.

Cedar Rapids Fire Chief Greg Smith is retiring later this month after nearly 32 years with the department, the last seven of those as chief.

06/10/2026

"Hustle can make up for mistakes."
-Captain Matt Hilliard, CRFD

You weren't going to outwork him so the best you could do was try to keep up. After 28 years of firefighting service to the community, Captain Matt Hilliard answered his final tones today and entered retirement. During his time here, he took on extra roles and served on the HAZMAT, Confined Space, High Angle Rescue, Swift Water Tech, Operations, Search and Rescue, and Fitness teams within CRFD.

He said in his parting remarks today, "I never lost my enthusiasm for the job." After 28 years, that's remarkable and a testament to his drive.

You'll be missed, Captain Hilliard - and always welcomed in the firehouse kitchen.

06/10/2026

Stifling heat and humidity AND stormy conditions. We knew it was coming. Be safe today.
Watch the skies, drink plenty of water and consider indoor options for your day.
Learn more about hot weather preparedness at www.cityofcr.com/pact
Prepare. Act. Train. Communicate. - that's how we work to remain safe in Cedar Rapids.

06/09/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(June 09, 2026 - 6:15a.m.)

Cedar Rapids Fire Dept - Residential Fire Fruitland Blvd SW, One Confirmed Fatality
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Cedar Rapids, IA – Cedar Rapids Firefighters responded to a residential fire call in the 2600 Block of Fruitland Blvd SW at approximately 4:55a.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Crews arrived to find the home with widespread fire showing and began fire suppression and rescue efforts.
One victim escaped the home, was treated quickly on scene and taken to a local hospital for potentially serious injuires. Firefighters located one adult female, deceased, inside. Additionally, one cat and one dog were recovered from the fire.
The fire was extinguished and called "under control" before 6:00a.m.

The name of the deceased is not being released at this time.

There is an ongoing investigation.

Cedar Rapids Police, Area Ambulance, and Alliant Energy assisted on-scene.

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06/08/2026

Tuesday and Wednesday are going to be HOT. Heat indices might be as high as 100 degrees. Stay safe and if you need shelter, here are places all around Linn County that offer protection from the sun.
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Alburnett City Hall, 120 N Main Ave. [Mon-Fri 9 AM- 2 PM]

Cedar Rapids Lindale Mall, 4444 1st Ave. NE [Mon–Thurs 11 AM–7 PM, Fri–Sat 10 AM–8 PM, Sun 12 PM–6PM]

Cedar Rapids Downtown Library, 450 5th Ave. SE. [Mon–Thurs 9 AM–8 PM, Fri–Sat 9 AM–5 PM, Sun 1 PM–5PM]

Cedar Rapids Ladd Library, 3750 Williams Blvd. SW [Mon–Thurs 9 AM–8 PM, Fri–Sat 9 AM–5 PM, Sun 1 PM–5PM]
Closed August 10th- September 19th

Cedar Rapids Salvation Army, 1000 C Ave. NW [Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–3:30 PM]

Cedar Rapids Willis Dady Works Day Center, 800 1st Ave. NW [Mon, Wed, Fri 9 AM–1 PM]

Cedar Rapids Cedar Valley Community Support Services, 2515 18th St. SW Suite A [Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM]

Center Point Public Library/Community Center, 720 Main St. [Mon, Wed, Thurs 1 PM–8 PM, Tues 8:30 AM–1 PM, Fri 8:30AM–5:30 PM, Sat 10 AM–2 PM]

Central City, City Hall, 137 4th St. [Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–4 PM]

Coggon Public Library, 216 E Main St. [Tues 10 AM–7 PM, Wed & Fri 9 AM–5 PM, Sat 9 AM–12 PM]

Ely Community Center/City Hall, 1570 Rowley St. [Mon–Fri 7 AM–3:00 PM]

Ely Public Library, 1595 Dows St. [Mon–Thurs 9 AM–7 PM, Fri 9 AM–5 PM, Sat 9 AM–4 PM]

Ely St. John Lutheran Church, 1420 Walker St. [Tues –Fri 8 AM–4 PM]

Fairfax City Hall, 300 80th St. Court [Mon– Tues, Thurs, Fri 7:30 AM–4 PM Wed 7:30AM – 6:00PM]

Fairfax Public Library, 313 Vanderbilt St. [Mon–Tue 12 PM–7 PM, Wed–Thurs 10 AM–7 PM, Fri 12 PM–6 PM, Sat 9 AM– 12 PM]

Hiawatha City Hall, 101 Emmons St. [Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–4 PM]

Hiawatha Library, 150 West Willman St. [Mon–Thurs 9 AM–8 PM, Fri 9 AM–5 PM, Sat 10 AM–5 PM]

Lisbon City Hall, 115 N Washington [Mon–Fri 8 AM–4:30 PM]

Marion City Hall Lobby, 1225 6th Ave. [Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM]

Marion Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center, 4500 N. 10th St. [Mon–Fri 9 AM–4 PM]

Marion Thomas Park Safe Room, 343 Marion Blvd. [Mon–Fri 7 AM–4 PM]

Marion Police Department Lobby, 6315 Highway 151 [Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM] Available 24 hours

Marion Public Library [Mon - Thurs 9AM - 8PM, Fri - Sat 9AM - 5PM, Sun 1 PM – 5 PM]

Mount Vernon City Hall Basement, 213 1st St. NW [Mon–Fri 7 AM–4 PM]

Mount Vernon/Lisbon Police Station (secondary use only), 380 Old Lincoln Highway [Mon–Fri 7 AM–4 PM]

Palo Community Center, 2800 Hollenbeck Road [Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM]

Robins Community Room, 265 S Second St. [Mon, Wed, Fri 8 AM–4 PM, Tue & Thurs 8 AM–Noon]

Springville Community Room & Library, 264 Broadway [Mon–Wed 11 AM–6 PM, Thurs 10 AM–8 PM, Fri 11AM–5 PM, Sat 11 AM–3 PM]

Springville United Methodist Church, 169 Broadway [Mon– 8:30 AM–1 PM, Tue & Wed 8:30 AM-11 AM, Thurs 8:30 AM-1 PM, Sun 8:30 AM–11 AM]

Walker Community Room, 204 Green St. [Mon–Fri 8 AM–4:30 PM]

Walker North Pavilion, 398 Park St. [Mon–Fri 8 AM–4:30 PM]

Walford Community Room, 120 5th St. N [Mon-Fri 7 AM-3 PM]

06/08/2026

🌨 ⚡ 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 - 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆

Our friends at the US National Weather Service Quad Cities Iowa/Illinois have issued a "Level 3" risk advisory for weather issues on Wednesday. Now is the time to look at your home emergency preparedness kit and review your severe weather plans just in case.

Over the next few days, we're going to have hot and humid conditions - check your A/C units.

Flash flooding is possible in low-lying areas and along normal drainage areas - keep an eye on water levels and be prepared to act quickly if needed.

Rain storms can turn easily into thunderstorms - keep an eye to the sky.

We want you to be ready for weather of any sort, anytime.
Be sure to review the many safety topics available at www.cityofcr.com/pact
Prepare. Act. Communicate. Train.