City of Olean Fire Department
Press Release – Flash Flooding June 19th 2024
On June 19th at approximately 22:17 the City of Olean Fire Department and Police Department began receiving storm related calls. During and immediately after the storm, there were over 55 calls for assistance. Some of the calls included: a partial building collapse at 1615 W. State. St, multiple power lines down, stranded vehicles in flooded roadways, flooded basements, EMS calls, automatic fire alarms, automatic medical alarms, trees down, and a possible structure fire that was unfounded. The City of Olean Fire Department and Cattaraugus County Office of Emergency Services established a command post at Central Fire Station and began organizing and prioritizing calls. Multiple outside agencies assisted, including Nation Grid, NYSEG, Allegany Fire Department, Weston Mills Fire Department, Portville Fire Department, and Town of Olean Fire Department. Remaining District 4 fire departments were placed on standby in their own quarters.
There were no injuries during the incident.
The City of Olean Fire Department would like to remind everyone not to drive vehicles through flooded roadways or standing water. Also, flooding in basements can result in electrical hazards. Do not enter a flooded basement.
Property owners with damages can report such cases to Cattaraugus County Emergency Services at 716-938-9119 for possible assistance.