The emergency vehicle was since recovered but the man was not inside.
BURNET COUNTY, Texas — Emergency officials in Burnet County are searching for a fire official who appears to have been swept away by floodwaters early Saturday, Burnet County Sheriff Calvin Boyd said.
The man, whom Boyd did not identify, was responding to a call when he drove into water and his vehicle was washed away.
The emergency vehicle was since recovered but the man was not inside.
Boyd described the man as a well-known member of the first responder community.
“There are ongoing efforts right now, a search for him as we speak,” Boyd told KVUE.
It comes as first responders reported dozens of water rescues across Central Texas on Saturday morning as heavy rains persisted, inundating Burnet County and parts of western Travis, Williamson counties.
The heaviest rain fell near Bertram and Burnet, where a foot or more was measured in Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) rain gauges. Emergency Management Coordinator for Burnet County Derek Marchio told KVUE first responders had conducted 25 water rescues all before 8 a.m. Saturday.
Marchio also said U.S. highways 29 and 281 – major corridors through the county – were impassible due to flooding, along with many other roads.
His advice to residents was simply to stay home and not to attempt to get out on the roads.