Clackamas County crews faced a challenging day as they dealt with multiple emergency situations arising from severe flooding in the area. Their efforts included rescuing individuals trapped by rising waters and responding to an electrical fire in a nearby home.
Rescues Amid Rising Floodwaters
The first incident occurred at Wagon Wheel Park around 7:45 a.m. A man became stranded as the Molalla River overflowed its banks. Fire Chief Vince Stafford reported that a team from Clackamas Fire used a boat to rescue the man, who was clinging to a tree in perilous conditions.
Approximately 15 minutes later, emergency teams responded to a second water rescue. This time, two adults and four children were trapped in a vehicle on South Holmes Road. This location is near Oregon Route 213 and South Macksburg Road, also in Liberal, a small community north of Molalla.
Electrical Fire Response
At the same time as the water rescues, an electrical fire erupted in a home located in Shady Dell, east of Molalla. Firefighters found several feet of water inside the residence but were able to extinguish the flames quickly. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Community Response to Flooding
Evacuation orders affected approximately 300 homes in the region, as announced by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. As a precaution, officials established a 90-bed emergency shelter at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City. The shelter is equipped with essential supplies, such as:
- Sandwiches
- Coffee
- Hot cocoa
- Water
- Snacks
- Charging stations
- Cots
Despite the shelter being available, no residents sought refuge late Thursday or Friday morning. Shelter supervisor Kim Falk reassured the community that volunteers remain prepared to assist those in need. She emphasized, “If their electricity is out, they’re welcome to come here.” Falk also noted that the shelter would remain operational until directed to close by Clackamas County emergency management.
Looking Ahead
As conditions improved, Fire Chief Stafford reported that the water was receding rapidly, allowing emergency crews to assess the damage and the needs of the affected residents. The ongoing response to these emergencies highlights the resilience of the Clackamas County community in facing natural disasters.
