Latest news with #VolunteerFireDepartment
New York Times
3 days ago
- New York Times
Why Are More Than 100 People Still Missing in Texas, 2 Weeks After the Floods?
In the days after the deadly July 4 floods in Central Texas, Megan Newton spent hours sitting outside her parents' home in Marble Falls, looking overhead to spot medical choppers among the Black Hawk helicopters searching for the missing. 'I was just waiting for someone to call and say, 'We found him,'' Ms. Newton, 41, said, 'that 'we've got him and he's good.'' Since then, her hope has waned for her father, Michael Phillips, 66, the chief of the volunteer fire department in Marble Falls, about 80 miles north of San Antonio. Yet his name remains among more than 100 people still missing statewide after floodwaters roared through summer camps, riverside homes, campgrounds and R.V. parks, claiming at least 135 lives. As days have turned into weeks, the number of missing, still stubbornly high, may be the flood's biggest lingering question. The total in Kerr County, the epicenter of the disaster, dropped this week to 97 from 173, and then stalled, raising still more questions. At least four others are missing or unidentified from Travis County, just east of Kerr. And one person — Mr. Phillips — is missing from Burnet County, and still others across the region might be out there. 'Even though we are reporting 97 people missing,' in Kerr County, Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas told reporters on Monday, 'there's no certainty that all 97 of those people were swept away by the storm.' The fluctuation of the numbers has only contributed to the puzzlement, as bodies are recovered and it becomes clear that some counts are incorrect. Mr. Abbott has said that in the days following the floods, local and state officials were better able to identify people from out of town who had come to the Hill Country to stay at camps and hotels. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
CTV News
10-07-2025
- General
- CTV News
Former Morrison School destroyed by fire in Glace Bay, N.S.
The former Morrison School in Glace Bay, N.S., was destroyed by fire on July 10, 2025. (Ryan MacDonald/CTV Atlantic) A former school in Glace Bay, N.S., has been destroyed by fire. Morrison School fire The former Morrison School in Glace Bay, N.S., was destroyed by fire on July 10, 2025. (Ryan MacDonald/CTV Atlantic) The Morrison School is already being demolished after it was gutted by flames Thursday morning. People in the Catherine Street area have been evacuated from their homes as a precaution, in case the fire spreads. So far, no homes have been damaged. John White, the MLA for Glace Bay-Dominion, says the local volunteer fire department has responded to 'multiple structure fires' early Thursday morning. 'Please be mindful of emergency scenes and do your part by staying clear so our first responders can do their job safely and efficiently,' said White in a Facebook post. 'As a former firefighter, I know firsthand the risks they take and the weight they carry. Please keep them in your thoughts today.' More to come… Morrison School fire The former Morrison School in Glace Bay, N.S., was destroyed by fire on July 10, 2025. (Ryan MacDonald/CTV Atlantic) For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ephrata Fire Department named 2025 Volunteer Fire House of the Year
May 21—EPHRATA — The Ephrata Fire Department has been awarded the title of "Volunteer Fire House of the Year" for 2025 by the Washington State Firefighters Association, significant recognition for the primarily volunteer-based team. "This award is very rewarding for me, our department, and our members," said Fire Chief Jeremy Burns. "Our fire department relies heavily on volunteers—only two of us are career staff. Without their time, effort and commitment to our community, we wouldn't be much." This is the first time the department has won the award, according to Burns. The Ephrata Fire Department boasts a roster of 33 volunteer firefighters, many of whom juggle their service with full-time jobs in various fields, including two members who also serve in the National Guard. One of these volunteers played a crucial role in a recent mental health crisis intervention, helping safely negotiate an individual down from a grain silo after nearly three hours of communication. "Their commitment to community protection and service is commendable," Burns said. "These individuals double volunteer their time for the defense of our communities and our nation. They truly are excellent individuals who show remarkable dedication." The department has actively engaged with the Ephrata community through various events, Burns said, including the Sage and Sun Festival, Touch-a-Truck and Trunk or Treat events. The volunteers also conduct fire prevention programs for local schools, reaching preschool through fourth-grade students. According to the Washington State Firefighters Association's official statement, "Ephrata Fire Department Volunteers can be found consistently giving back to their community." In addition to community engagement, the Ephrata Fire Department has shown remarkable growth in training and skill development. In 2024 alone, the department's volunteers successfully obtained 39 IFSAC certifications in areas including Firefighter 1 and 2, Hazardous Materials Awareness, and Driver Operator. Furthermore, Ephrata hosted two Fire Academies that included participation from local agencies, resulting in over 2,000 hours of fire and EMS training. "We have a great camaraderie among our volunteers. Their spirit and enthusiasm for helping our community are key to our success in recruiting and retaining members," Burns said. Burns said its dedicated volunteers continue to demonstrate that passion and commitment can make a real difference in public safety and community building. "We have just a great group of people that are there for all the right reasons, and that's to serve their community and continue to build their skill set so they're better prepared for the next response," Burns said.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Meet the Skyline Fire Department's newest member… a goat
SQUIRES, Mo. — During a recent wildland fire, a displaced goat trailed the Skyline Volunteer Fire Department as they worked to contain the blaze. After the fire was extinguished, the crew decided to make the persistent companion an honorary firefighter, naming her 'Fred.' According to a Skyline area Volunteer Fire Department's Facebook post, on March 19, a large fire occurred near Highway N in Douglas County. During the fire, a displaced goat decided to join the Skyline Backburn crew as they fought to protect homes. 'This wasn't a panicked escape; this goat confidently followed them up the hill like she had a fire academy diploma in her pocket,' said the Squires Volunteer Fire Department Chief in a Facebook post. 'She even tried to commandeer the command truck, much to her apparent displeasure when she was politely asked to de-goat the vehicle.' The goat then decided to follow the dozer crew until the fire was extinguished. 'Fred fearlessly consumed smoke and combated the blaze, providing both morale boost and emotional support to the firefighters on the front line,' said the post. The next day, the goat was found safe at a nearby farm and was reunited with her family. The Squires VFD dozer team dubbed her 'Firefighter Fred.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
