Knox County community rattled by flooding with emergency personnel responding to calls for help

KNOX COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) — This week’s predictions of heavy rain culminated in southern Kentucky experiencing major flooding. In Knox County, it was no exception.

“I have lived in the area my whole life, and this is the worst I’ve seen it in probably 30 years,” said Billy Mills, Chief of the Richland Fire Department.

Rising waters and flash flooding across Kentucky Saturday had many people on high alert.

“I’m seeing water where I’ve never seen it before, so if you’re safe, stay where you’re at,” said Chief Mills.

The rain put homes, cars, businesses, and lives in danger.

The Richland Fire Department responded to several calls throughout the day, ranging from home evacuations to vehicle rescues.

“We take different roads, different routes,” Chief Mills told FOX 56. “Roads that might not be blocked by water. We just try to get to them the best we can, and it’ll get to a point that we won’t be able to get out.”

Richland fire crews urged Knox County residents to get to higher ground and stay there as long as possible.

With rain expected to continue pouring across the Bluegrass into Sunday, safety is the top priority for all emergency response team members in and around Knox County.

“If they can get out, they need to get out now,” Chief Mills warned. “There’s nothing that can’t be replaced in the home. I know pictures and everything, but you can’t replace a life.”