Katy Area Firefighters Aid in Heartbreaking Recovery Efforts After Kerr County Flooding
As the Texas Hill Country shifts from emergency rescues to the difficult work of recovery, Katy-area firefighters are among the many crews on the ground in Kerr County, offering their strength and service in the aftermath of one of the deadliest flood disasters in the state’s history.
Following the unprecedented flash flooding over the July 4th weekend—which claimed the lives of at least 118 people and left more than 180 still missing—firefighters from Harris County ESD 48 Fire Department and Willowfork Fire Department (Fort Bend County ESD 2) answered the call to assist in search and recovery operations. Their work has centered around the devastated areas near Kerrville, including the site of the tragedy at Camp Mystic, where 27 campers and counselors lost their lives when the Guadalupe River rose more than 26 feet in under an hour.
In a post shared by Harris County ESD 48, officials wrote: “Please continue to lift our crew and all the crews out there in prayer for wisdom, resilience, and safety, as they transition from rescue efforts into the recovery phase. Thank you, Drew, Warren, Garrett, and Grant, for answering the call to help and bring closure to some families.”
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The firefighters have joined a massive, multi-agency effort mobilized under Governor Greg Abbott’s direction. More than 2,200 state personnel, 1,200 emergency vehicles and assets, and over 20 state agencies remain deployed across Central Texas to assist with recovery, supported by FEMA and first responder teams from more than a dozen states.
Over the past several days, Katy-area crews have navigated dangerous debris fields, collapsed structures, and miles of washed-out terrain to assist in recovery missions. At times, they’ve worked side-by-side with K9 teams, Texas Task Force 1 members, and National Guard personnel to locate missing individuals and assist grieving families.
“Through it all, we’ve witnessed the incredible strength and resilience of our neighbors,” shared Willowfork Fire Department. “And we’ve been honored to stand alongside other first responders from the region and across the nation. While we are grateful for every life saved, we also mourn deeply for those who have been lost to the floodwaters. Our hearts are with their families, friends, and everyone impacted by this tragedy.”
Katy-area firefighters and state personnel search through storm debris in Kerr County, Texas, as part of ongoing recovery The July 2025 Central Texas floods—intensified by remnants of Tropical Storm Barry—dumped more than 20 inches of rain in a matter of hours, triggering catastrophic surges along the Guadalupe and Blanco rivers. The Hill Country, especially Kerr County, experienced widespread destruction of homes, camps, and roadways, with floodwaters sweeping away entire communities in minutes.
While the weather has since cleared, the emotional and logistical toll of the disaster is far from over. Officials expect recovery to continue for weeks as teams work to restore infrastructure, support survivors, and search for the missing.
For the Katy community, the presence of its local heroes on the front lines has sparked deep pride—and a renewed call for solidarity.
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My Neighborhood News joins the families of Harris County and Fort Bend County in honoring these brave first responders for their tireless efforts and compassionate service during one of Texas’s darkest chapters.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
