Firefighters Pull Two From Flood Waters

Fairfax City firefighters rescued two people when their car was trapped by Thursday night flooding.

Swift water technicians, Lt. Peter Rhoades and Master Tech Joe Tutt, waded into floodwater on Prosperity Avenue, between Southwick Street and Glenbrook Place, to rescue two trapped in their vehicle.

Just 18 inches of water can lift a car or SUV off the road and push it sideways.

“Sometimes it looks safe to drive through but its’ never worth the risk,” said Captain Jeremy Speakes. “That’s why we have people ready to respond.”

In shallow flood water, firefighters can make the rescue by walking out to those that need help, bracing against the current with equipment or other rescue personnel. Rescue throw bags are made ready in case the scene turns dire.

“We officially started dedicating people to the [swift water] project in 2004,” said Speakes.

According to the National Weather Service, there are more deaths annually due to flooding over any other severe weather related death. Swift water is the term used for water from heavy rains that causes drivers to lose control of their vehicles.

Fairfax City has the staffing to respond to swift water emergencies 24 hours a day. The fire department began to increase their swift water personnel in 2004, when they noticed an increase in the need for flood rescues. Two years later, the newly trained firefighters were put to the test when they responded to 21 flood calls when Fairfax sank below seven inches of rain during a three-day period.

City and county swift water technicians stay up to date on safety practices by training in stretches of water aptly called "Difficult Run" and "Last Chance Point" at Great Falls.

The team had just completed a refresher swift water training course when they got the Thursday night rescue call.

For more information about what to do in case of a flood, check out the National Weather service website.