FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO NUMEROUS CALLS DURING FLASH FLOODING.  SEVERAL PEOPLE RESCUED FROM FLOOD WATERS.

 SEPTEMBER 8, 2011

 News Highlights

• Flash flood waters rise from area streams and Cameron Run causing damage to vehicles and structures.
• Firefighters rescue several people from stranded automobiles and buildings.
• Mutual aid from Prince Georges and Loudoun Counties aided in swift water rescue efforts.
• Damage estimates from flooding are still under investigation.

At 6:25pm units from the Alexandria Fire Department responded to a reported flooding in the 600 block of S. Pickett Street.   Units arriving found numerous vehicles displaced by flood waters and seven building which sustained water damage.  Ten occupants remained inside one building and were removed after flood waters receeded.  Fire personnel began clearing that location at approximately 9:00 pm.

At 6:50pm rising waters in Cameron Run caused damage to numerous automobiles on Eisenhower Avenue and in the parking lot of buildings located in the 2800 and 2900 block of Eisenhower Avenue.  Alexandria Fire Department, aided by swift water rescue teams from Loudoun County, Virginia and Prince Georges County, Maryland, rescued an estimated thirty people from vehicles and affected buildings.

There were no reported injuries at either location and no individuals were transported to the hospital.  As flood waters receeded, fire and police personnel requested occupants of buildings located in the 2800 and 2900 block to voluntarily evacuate for the evening as a precautionary measure.

Fire department equipment began clearing the incident on Eisenhower Avenue at 11:54pm.  Damage estimates are undetermined at thhis time.  City inspectors will be assessing damage in the morning hours on September 9.

For more information, contact Robert Rodriguez, Chief Fire Marshal / Community Services Officer, Alexandria Fire Department, at 703.746.5217 or Robert.rodriguez@alexandriava.gov