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Search Intensifies for Texas Volunteer Fire Chief Missing in Flooded County

Rescue crews are using helicopters, boats and drones to locate the chief after his vehicle was found battered and empty in Burnet County.

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Michael Phillips, the Marble Falls Volunteer Fire Chief, has gone missing in the Texas floods. (Photo: Michael Phillips on X)
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Overview

  • Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Phillips disappeared on July 5 when his emergency vehicle was swept off a low-water crossing in Cow Creek during a water rescue call.
  • Authorities recovered his crushed vehicle Monday in Burnet County but have not located Phillips despite intensified search operations.
  • Governor Greg Abbott reported that 41 people remain unaccounted for statewide after floodwaters killed at least 82 and left dozens missing since the July Fourth weekend.
  • Multi-agency teams from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the National Guard and local sheriff’s offices are deploying air and water units across Central Texas Hill Country.
  • Officials warn that forecast heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding and complicate ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.