Houston Firefighters Deploy to Bolster Kerr County Flood Rescue

Houston is sending specialised personnel to Central Texas after catastrophic flash floods swept through Kerr County on Friday, killing an undisclosed number of people and damaging homes, roads and summer camps along the Guadalupe River. The Houston Fire Department said it has deployed an engine and a four-member Tactical Deployment Unit to join local crews in rescue and recovery operations. Three additional Houston firefighters are working with Texas A&M Task Force One, which is conducting searches for missing residents and assessing structural damage. Houston Mayor John Whitmire said the city is drawing on its own experience with major storms to assist the Hill Country communities, while Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz called the loss of life “tragic” and pledged continued support. Montgomery County has also sent firefighters, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the Texas Division of Emergency Management is coordinating further assistance as rain-swollen rivers continue to pose risks.