Canastota Firefighters Lead Swift Flood Response
"Happy to help."
“I’ve talked to residents who say they haven’t seen flooding like this in over 40 years. It was devastating to our community. … Numerous houses with flooding, 5- or 6-foot of water in the basements. We worked on them from 4:00 a.m. yesterday morning until 11:00 last night. …"
— Chief Lyle Chafee, Canastota Volunteer Fire Department
Overnight on June 22, 2025, a powerful storm swept through Central New York, unleashing severe thunderstorms that dropped up to five inches of rain across Madison County—including Canastota.
The deluge caused Canastota Creek to overflow, turning streets into rivers and flooding dozens of homes. Sump pumps were overwhelmed, power outages spread across neighborhoods, and sinkholes formed where sewer mains gave way.
Residents described water rising to chest height, inundating basements, furnaces, and water heaters, and forcing some to evacuate urgently. While nearby Oneida County tragically reported three storm-related fatalities due to fallen trees, Canastota was spared any direct loss of life.
Fire Department Front and Center
By early Sunday morning, Fire Chief Lyle Chaffee and the Canastota Volunteer Fire Department were fully mobilized. Firefighters moved swiftly to assess structural damage, pump out flooded basements, and assist elderly and at-risk residents throughout the community.
Teams went door-to-door, especially near creekside homes, to check on residents, warn of hazards, and offer immediate assistance. They cordoned off dangerous areas—including Main Street and multiple side streets—to keep residents safe from fast-moving water and unstable ground.
In the face of widespread damage, the department coordinated with mutual aid partners, including units from Ilion, to ensure timely and thorough coverage of the hardest-hit zones.
The department also took to official channels to provide clear, consistent warnings, urging residents to stay away from flood zones and respect road closures.
A Model of Leadership in Crisis
Despite facing one of the worst floods in decades, the Canastota Volunteer Fire Department rose to the challenge with professionalism and resolve. Under Chief Chaffee’s leadership, firefighters demonstrated the power of swift action, strong communication, and coordinated effort.
Their presence reassured the community—and their response set a clear example of effective crisis management.
It’s our community. We’re gonna do whatever we can for these people. They live in our community. We’re gonna take care of them. Happy to help ….” — Chief Chafee
