06/23/2026
•FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE•
During the overnight and early morning hours, our area was heavily impacted by severe flooding, creating dangerous and rapidly changing conditions throughout the community.
During this event, multiple reports were received of residents trapped inside their homes in the Bobwhite area due to rising floodwaters. In response, the Van Fire Department immediately activated the Boone County Swift Water Rescue Team. Rescue personnel from the Danville Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., Racine Volunteer Fire Department, Whitesville Voluntr Fire Department, and Van Fire Department responded to assist with these operations.
As water levels continued to rise and additional victims became stranded, resources from the Charleston Fire Department and South Charleston Fire Department were requested to assist with rescue efforts.
Crews worked tirelessly throughout the night and into the morning hours conducting swift water rescue operations, removing victims from dangerous conditions, and transporting them to safety. Rescued residents were brought to the Van Fire Department, where they remained until floodwaters receded and conditions improved.
Thanks to the outstanding teamwork and dedication of all responding agencies, a total of 16 victims were safely rescued from floodwaters.
The Van Fire Department would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Charleston Fire Department, South Charleston Fire Department, Boone County Swift Water Rescue Team, Boone County Ambulance Authority, and all assisting agencies for their professionalism, dedication, and response.
The Van Fire Department is continuing to work closely with local, county, and state agencies to secure resources and assistance for those affected by this disaster.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with all those impacted by this flooding event. We ask the community to continue supporting one another as efforts move forward.
