Tucson Fire rescued four people from their SUV near Lee Street and 9th Avenue after they had been swept downstream and were trapped in the vehicle with water up to the windshield. Ladder 01 was en route to another call when they noticed the headlights from the vehicle stranded.
They were able to see the family still in the vehicle and immediately set up the aerial to perform a rescue. The ladder was extended to the vehicle and the four people were pulled out of the door and onto the roof of the vehicle. They were then assisted into the bucket of the ladder and moved to safety. The family consisted of an adult male and female with their teenage son and also the mother of one of the adults, who was approximately 80.
The family was uninjured and didn’t require any further medical attention. They had friends that were on scene and were going to help them while they awaited a tow truck. Ladder 01 then continued onto their original call.
There were approximately 9 other water related calls in the city during the storm but this was the most severe.
Tucson Fire says during the monsoon season, washes can rise very quickly. Here are some tips for safety:
• Most flash flood deaths occur in vehicles
• Moving water 1-2 feet deep will carry away most vehicles and can knock a person off their feet
• Keep children away from creeks and washes when heavy rain is in the area
• Be especially careful at night when water depth and road conditions are harder to see