Petrolia Fire Department Carries Out Multiple Rescues During Storm

Tuesday December 23, 2025

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As rain pounded down overnight and rivers began to swell on Sunday, December 21, volunteer firefighters across the Emerald Triangle braved worsening conditions to respond to storm-related emergencies. Members of the Petrolia Volunteer Fire Department spent much of the day responding to storm-related emergencies across their area—clearing roads, recovering stranded vehicles, and helping people get out of rising water.

“We were all taken by surprise,” Petrolia Fire Chief Chris Gilda said. “I knew there was going to be a storm. I followed the weather…[But] I think we got a significant amount more rain than was forecast.”