Family rescued from vehicle in high water

Verde Valley Fire District swift water rescuers pulled four people and two dogs off a water-swamped vehicle in Oak Creek at Mormon Crossing. (VVFD)

Verde Valley Fire District swift water rescuers pulled four people and two dogs off a water-swamped vehicle in Oak Creek at Mormon Crossing. (VVFD)

CORNVILLE – A group of three adults and a child were removed from the top of a vehicle in the middle of Oak Creek after trying to cross in high water Friday, March 17.

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(VVFD)

The truck was trying to use Mormon Crossing at Willow Point Road at around 5:45 p.m. but had been overwhelmed by water that had been running high since Wednesday. Crews from Verde Valley Fire District fond the vehicle in the middle of the channel out a quarter-mile downstream from the crossing.

The firefighters were set up on the north and south side of the fast-flowing creek. According to Fire Chief Danny Johnson, they set up a rope system upriver and lowered an inflatable rescue boat. Three rescuers entered the boat, and a DPS helicopter provided light and was available for possible hoist as a backup plan.

The four people and two small dogs were removed from the vehicle and safely returned to shore. They were provided with dry clothes.

“We have seen a tremendous amount of water in our rivers this week. Due to the snow melt the water are still very high and dangerous,” Johnson stated in a Saturday news release. “Please use caution around the water and remind everyone not to cross flood water for your safety as well as the safety of the emergency responders.”

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Emergency responders light up the area during the rescue. (VVFD)

He said none of the occupants of the vehicle was injured but a rescuer had a minor hand injury.

Sedona Fire District, Copper Canyon Fire & Medical District, Verde Valley Ambulance Company, Cottonwood Dispatch, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement were all involved in the rescue operation, with a total of 36 personnel on scene.

“This incident was a true regional success story,” Johnson said.

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(VVFD)

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(VVFD)

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(VVFD)


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