LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — As floodwaters rose, Mid County Fire Protection District has received multiple evacuation and rescue calls from people stranded by the rapid flooding.
The district received two evacuation rescue calls on Monday, Dec. 28 to Cottage Lane off D Road, by Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton.
According to District Chief Scott Frandsen, the first evacuation rescue call came in at 1:45 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 28. Firefighters responded by boat with a swift water rescue team. The team found a home with floodwaters reaching up to the second story.
Rescuers were able to extract one person who was trapped in the home. The victim was taken by rescue boat to a staging area, where they were checked out by emergency medical personnel, and subsequently transported to nearby friends for shelter. There were no injuries in this rescue.
At the same time, another home occupied by seven people, on the same road, was found by the rescue team to be in imminent danger from floodwaters. Firefighters recommended the family immediately evacuate to higher ground. The family chose to stay in the home. Four hours later, Mid County Fire received their second evacuation rescue call… to go back to that home.
The swift water rescue team responded by boat, where they found the occupants to have taken refuge on the second story of the dwelling. Firefighters loaded seven adults and four dogs into rescue boats and delivered them to the staging area, where they were checked out by emergency medical personnel, and then transported to shelter with nearby family to wait out the flood.
There were no injuries to the public. One firefighter suffered minor hypothermia and was treated by EMS at the scene. According to Chief Frandsen, the firefighter is fine and already back in service.
“All firefighters wear protective exposure suits that are designed for cold water, but his had a small breach,” Chief Frandsen said. “Our Swift Water Rescue Team members receive extensive training in these environments. They are certified swift water technicians who are well equipped and trained to deal with these type of emergencies.”
Chief Frandsen reports there are still dozens of roads in the district that are impassable. “I can’t remember the water ever being to this level,” he said. He urges people to continue to be aware of their surroundings. “If the water breaches your home and you cannot get out call 911,” Chief Frandsen said. “If you can get out, shut off the gas and electric, and go to a safe place and wait until the water recedes.”
Sunny Slope Evacuation
Mid County Fire Protection District firefighters were also called to a home in the Sunny Slope Subdivision in Camdenton due to a flooded basement. The water caused an electrical short, causing smoke to fill the house. The utilities were disconnected and the occupants were evacuated. There were no injuries. The home suffered water damage.
Going forward, Chief Frandsen said, “We are concerned, short term, because of the significant flooding in the Bennet Springs area. This water empties into the Niangua River, which empties into the Lake of the Ozarks, which is where we are seeing extremely high water levels. We will continue to monitor the situation and deal with issues as they come up. Weather reports say all the significant rainfall is over and this will hopefully allow the lake to recede. Please exercise the highest degree of caution.”
