CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago Fire Department is expanding its assistance to communities in downstate Illinois hard hit by flood waters.Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford said that14 more off-duty firefighters were dispatched this weekend to join a contingent of Chicago firefighters who have been in the flood zone for a couple of weeks.In addition to the firefighters, Langford said, the city is sending boats and special water rescue equipment.
Langford said much of the focus for Chicago firefighters will be on Jerseyville, which is about 60 miles north of St. Louis. Langford said many residents in that community have been completely cut off by flood waters, and firefighters will be spending much of their time ferrying basic supplies to those homes.Langford said the firefighters will also be assisting with any water rescues, under the direction of local fire chiefs in the flooded areas.
Special Operations Chief Tim Walsh joins Fire Commissioner Richard Ford II to explain special deployment to downstate Illinois pic.twitter.com/NwZq9AQVCM— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) June 15, 2019 He added that the city of Chicago is responding to a mutual aid call from downstate fire departments. It's part of an agreement among fire departments in Illinois and several neighboring states to provide assistance during flooding, other natural disasters or major fires.
