08-07-2025
4 dead, 2 missing in Burnet County flooding; Volunteer fire chief still missing
AUSTIN (KXAN) — An additional death has been confirmed in Burnet County, bringing the total to four, officials said in a press conference this afternoon. The Burnet County Sheriff's Office is still actively searching for two more people that remain missing.
One of the missing people is Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Phillips. Burnet County Sheriff Calvin Boyd said Monday they found his vehicle and personal items through drones and on-the-ground efforts. Boyd previously said Phillips went missing while attempting a rescue near FM 1174 at Cow Creek.
The other person missing is a man from the Burnet area. His vehicle was also found. Names are not being released at this point.
Boyd said that the Burnet County has rescued 62 people so far.
'Anywhere from people that were stranded in their attics, to people in trees or on the top of their vehicles,' Boyd said.
The humidity and heat is causing search and rescue responders to be changed every couple hours, according to Boyd. With all the debris that the flood brought downstream, helicopters are being used to drop off the responders.
This morning's rain kept responders away from some of the low-lying areas out of precaution, according to Boyd. It also added new road closures to the map.
'We didn't want to take a chance with any of our folks who are out there working hard,' he said.
The search hasn't changed a lot since operations in Burnet County swung into full effect Saturday. With some of the low-level crossings in the midst of repair, Boyd said that the option for vehicles to drive in will change the search plan.
Once the terrain becomes less drenched with water, horses and ATVs will be employed. Currently, foot, dog and drone searches are primarily being used.
'I would love to wrap it up today, but it just depends on how long it takes to find these individuals,' Boyd said. 'We are committed to finding these folks. We want to find them.'
SUNDAY LIVE BLOG: Rescue efforts continue in Central Texas after 'catastrophic' flash flooding
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a Flash Flood emergency was put into effect for Burnet County shortly after 5 a.m. NWS said that 5-12' of rain occurred, with an additional 2-5″ possible.
'This is a Particularly Dangerous Situation with life-threatening flash flooding. Seek higher ground if near a flooded creek or stream,' NWS said.
Operations in Burnet County were in full effect Saturday, with nearly 20 water rescues underway as flood waters moved through Central Texas. According to the Burnet County Office of Emergency Management (BCOEM), first responders were working 19 different water rescues in the area.
In an update, BCOEM confirmed a firefighter was swept away during a rescue. As of 11:36 a.m., the office said crews were attempting to find them.
'All these issues are being handled based on situational urgency,' BCOEM said. 'All agencies within Burnet County are all coordinating these rescues.'
The office said several roadways in the area were inaccessible. Those roadways included:
Highway 29 to Hamilton Creek
Between Burnet and Bertram
Highway 281 North (approximately at County Rd 108)
Highway 281 at Park Rd 4
1174 to 1431
1431 at Cow Creek Rd.
Numerous other county roads
'We are urging everyone to stay home to avoid these high-water dangers. People have already been rescued from trees and cars, several have also called in with high or rising water near their homes,' BCOEM said.
The city of Burnet said those affected by flooding or in need of a safe place to go, the Burnet Community Center, located at 401 East Jackson Street, was open for evacuations.
In an update Saturday night, BCSO said emergency responders performed more than 50 rescues. Those operations were suspended Saturday night and continued Sunday morning.
BCSO Captain Mike Sorenson confirmed that three people died.
One of the missing persons included Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Phillips. Burnet County Sheriff Calvin Boyd said Phillips went missing while attempting a rescue near FM 1174 at Cow Creek.
'If you can stay home, don't travel. Everyone wants to go out and look at the high water and the wreckage but we ask you to stay home at this point,' said Boyd on Saturday.
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