HWSFD Responds to July 4 Storm and Community Recovery Efforts

On the night of July 4, 2026, a severe storm moved through Harwinton, causing significant localized damage in the areas of Leadmine Brook Road, Woodland Drive, North Road, Harmony Hill Road, and Woodchuck Lane.

Harwinton West Side Fire Department and Harwinton Volunteer Fire Department personnel responded to more than 30 calls for service throughout the storm. Incidents ranged from downed and burning power lines to trees that had fallen onto homes, blocked roadways, and carbon monoxide alarms caused by the extended power outage.

HWSFD apparatus and personnel continued responding to calls or remained ready at the firehouse until nearly 3:00 a.m. on July 5.

Once the immediate emergency response slowed, the next phase of the operation began.

Throughout July 5 and July 6, HWSFD personnel surveyed roads and neighborhoods across town to identify areas that were inaccessible to pickup trucks, fire apparatus, and ambulances. In some locations, road conditions were so severe that access was only possible using HVFD’s John Deere Gator.

The Harwinton Emergency Operations Center was opened, and HWSFD units provided regular reports identifying roads that were passable, barely passable, or completely inaccessible to emergency vehicles. This information allowed emergency personnel to plan alternate response routes and prepare for incidents in areas affected by fallen trees, utility lines, and debris.

Members of HWSFD and HVFD also checked on concerned residents and several community homes to confirm that they remained accessible and had the supplies necessary to safely manage several days without electrical service.

At the end of the week, department members spent several hours returning borrowed stop signs and electronic message boards that had been used during the storm. HWSFD personnel also assisted by wetting down the large pile of trees and storm debris that had been collected at the Harwinton Fairgrounds.

From the initial emergency response through the final recovery work, HWSFD members contributed a combined 174 hours of volunteer service to support the Town of Harwinton and its residents.

The response to this storm extended well beyond the initial calls on July 4. It required several days of coordination, road assessments, resident welfare checks, logistical support, and continued cooperation between the town’s emergency services and community partners.

HWSFD would like to thank the members of HVFD, Harwinton Ambulance, the Harwinton Emergency Management team, town employees, utility crews, contractors, and residents who worked together throughout the storm and recovery process.