Following the June 5 flash flooding in Sanford, emergency personnel remained active overnight and into the morning to ensure continued public safety. The Sanford Fire Department responded to 25 calls during the shift, including fire alarms, downed trees, and several flood-related incidents.
At least three of those calls involved firefighters helping people safely exit their homes or businesses. Off-duty personnel were called in to support the response, with around 25 team members from the Sanford Fire Department assisting. No serious injuries have been reported within the City of Sanford.
One water rescue was successfully performed for a person trapped in a vehicle between McIver Street and Jenkins Street in Downtown Sanford. Additional residents were assisted from their homes in affected areas. During peak flooding, around a dozen streets were temporarily closed. All roads were cleared and reopened to traffic by Thursday evening.
“I’m incredibly proud of how our crew responded to such a challenging day,” said Sanford Fire Chief Matt Arnold. “They worked through difficult conditions, pushing through missed meals and standing in floodwater, to ensure our community stayed safe. This is exactly what they train for, and it was an honor to watch them in action.”
“I also want to thank the Sanford Police Department, Public Works, NCDOT, and TriRiver Water crews for their support in closing roads and helping the public stay out of harm’s way. We are also thankful for the swift water rescue teams from Cypress Pointe and North Chatham Fire Departments, Pocket Fire Department, and Lee County Emergency Management for their assistance with emergency operations,” added Chief Arnold.
Due to flooding and storm-related damage, the Sanford Buggy Company building in Downtown Sanford is closed to the public until further notice. However, City staff and services remain fully available by phone, email, and online. Residents are encouraged to use the City's digital services or contact departments directly for assistance.
The City and Lee County Government will share updates as soon as the Buggy Building is reopened to the public. We thank our residents for their patience and understanding.
Residents are also encouraged to sign up for City alerts to stay informed during future emergencies: sanfordnc.net/Alerts-Notifications.