Family Seeks Refuge in Tree When Raging Water Overtakes Vehicle

DEVORE, Calif., Feb. 5 (KNN) — A family of three found refuge in a tree when raging water overtook their vehicle overnight in Devore during a relentless winter rainstorm.

Rescue personnel received reports just before midnight Sunday, regarding people trapped with flood water around them moving at a rapid pace.

The first arriving engine reported three people trapped in a tree and their vehicle overtaken by intense raging water. A swift water rescue team was called to respond to the scene and assist with the rescue of a mother, father, and their daughter, all clinging to a tree for safety.

The depth and speed at which the water was traveling made the rescue of the family challenging. It wasn’t until around 1:50 a.m. that the family was rescued off the tree, treated on scene and were given blankets to keep warm.

Other than being exhausted, the family did not complain of any injuries. No injuries were reported by the rescue crews.

The details of how the incident unfolded are unclear at this time.

Victor Maldonado, Video Journalist / KNN