Galax Fire Department braces for more flooding after Friday night rescues

GALAX, Va. (WDBJ) - Heavy rain overwhelmed parts of Galax, prompting swift water rescues by the Galax Fire Department.

Galax Fire pulled people and their pets to safety as the streets filled with water Friday evening.

Capt. Jason Bowers with Galax Fire was knee-deep in those waters with fellow volunteers in the department. He said it was unlike anything he had ever seen in his hometown.

“We could tell that it was worse than normal, kind of worse than Helene,” said Bowers.

With help from other local agencies, the rescue team was able to save nine people and four pets on the fire departments’ paddle rafts as the neighborhood filled with water.

“The water was extremely swift going to one house and we just had to set up our rope lines to to get there,” recalled Bowers. “Getting to them initially was the hardest part. Not knowing the footing, the ground stuff washed out from under you and the debris.”

Bowers, along with the volunteers, rested over the weekend after battling the waters, but Chief Mike Ayers says their rescue work might not be over yet.

With recent downpours saturating the ground, flood risks are elevated. Ayers said his crew is ready to bring the boats back out in a weather emergency.

“The guys and gals are ready, we have the equipment ready... We’re working with the National Weather Service [and] our partners in the emergency management field are sending us updates daily as to what what to expect,” said Ayers.

But Ayers says it takes everyone to prepare for weather emergencies. While rain continues to stay in our First Alert forecast, he asks all residents to remember these important tips.

“Stay in-house, get out to the higher ground, don’t drive, don’t drown, turn around; all the things you’re hearing are kind of cliche, ‘til it comes to your neighborhood,” said Ayers.