09/21/2026
Amboy Fire Protection District ā Campground Flooding & Mass Evacuation
Amboy Fire Protection District responded to 970 Greenwing Road, OāConnellās RV Campground (Yogi Bearās Campground) for rising floodwater from a nearby pond and Green River, resulting in a large-scale water rescue and mandatory evacuation operation.
Upon arrival, AFPD established Incident Command and began evacuating stranded campground occupants using department vehicles and mutual-aid resources. Due to the expanding flooding and the number of individuals requiring assistance, a Box Card 38-3 response through the second alarm was requested, bringing multiple water rescue teams and supporting agencies to the scene.
Throughout the incident, rescue crews worked to remove occupants from flooded areas, while law enforcement utilized a drone equipped with a loudspeaker to issue mandatory evacuation instructions to individuals remaining in threatened areas.
An evacuation location was established at the campgrounds general store and evacuated to MSK. Evacuees were then transported by bus to a reunification location at the Amboy Central School, where the American Red Cross assisted displaced occupants.
Incident Response Highlights:
- Approximately 280 individuals rescued or evacuated
- Multiple water rescue teams and mutual-aid agencies deployed
- Evacuee transportation coordinated through Amboy School District 272
- Electrical power disconnected by ComEd to address safety concerns
- American Red Cross assistance provided at Amboy Central School
We would like to thank all responding agencies, MSK Enterprises LLC, Amboy School District 272, Amboy Food and Liquor, La Fiesta, and support organizations who assisted throughout this incident.
This operation required extensive coordination, teamwork, and dedication to protecting the lives and safety of those affected by the flooding.
Participating agencies included:
Amboy Fire Protection District, Lee County Sheriff's Office, Illinois State Police, Conservation Police, Dixon City Fire, Dixon Rural Fire, Rock Falls Fire Department, Compton Fire Department, West Brooklyn Fire Department, Byron Fire Department, Oregon Fire Department, Franklin Grove Fire Department, ComEd, American Red Cross, and Amboy School District.
We appreciate the efforts of everyone who contributed to this significant emergency response.
- Chief Dickison
