The Saline Valley, Hillsboro and De Soto Rural fire protection districts sent firefighters on July 10 to assist with flood rescues and welfare checks in the Courtois area at the Washington County-Iron County border.
Ryan Lesh, the Saline Valley fire marshal, said Jefferson County fire districts joined numerous others as part of Task Force 5 that assisted the Potosi Fire District in dealing with those in need after heavy rain led to flash flooding.
“Heavy rainfall had produced widespread flash flooding throughout southwestern Washington County, with reports indicating approximated 3-6 inches of rain had fallen,” Lesh said Monday. “Flooding affected roads, low-lying areas, creeks and residential properties. Additional rounds of severe weather and heavy rainfall were forecast throughout the operational period.
“Strike team resources staged and coordinated from Potosi Fire Station 1 before being assigned to affected areas. Jefferson County personnel worked alongside Washington County fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies conducting water rescue operations, welfare checks, evacuations and assessments of residents affected by the flooding.”
Lesh said crews rescued four individuals and a dog.
Robert Lang, Potosi Fire assistant chief, said firefighters spent most of the day dealing with those endangered by the flash flooding.
“We got a call about 5:30 a.m.,” Lang said. “It was a statewide emergency. We were assisted by fire districts from all over. We weren’t dispersed until about 8:30 p.m.”
Lang said one woman who stranded in the water for several hours was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Another individual who had a “diabetic problem” was treated at the scene, but not transported, he said.
Lesh said more than a dozen additional individuals were evaluated and chose to shelter in place.