PITTSBURG, Kan. — Saturday night, the flash flooding and severe weather kept first responders busy.

The Pittsburg Fire Department estimated that firefighters pulled 30 people from vehicles that were stuck in high water.

“Driving into flooded roadways during severe storms puts both the public and first responders at unnecessary risk,” Fire Chief Jack Spencer said in an email. “These incidents quickly strain emergency resources and can endanger lives that may have been protected by simply turning around.

“To stay safe, never drive around barricades, avoid roads covered by moving or standing water, and use extra caution at night when flooded areas are harder to see. Plan alternate routes before storms arrive, give yourself extra travel time, and remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

In addition to the rescues Saturday night, from June 7 to 13, the fire department also responded to 36 fire-related calls and 30 medical-related calls.

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office had one water rescue in which a deputy pulled a person to safety Saturday night. From June 7 to 13, deputies responded to 303 calls, a 13 percent increase from the week prior. The sheriff’s office also conducted 83 traffic stops, arrested eight individuals, assisted 54 motorists or community members and took 31 reports. Charges for arrests included failure to appear, possession of narcotics or stimulents, aggravated battery on law enforcement officer and more, according to the Crawford County inmate roster.

The Pittsburg Police Department responded to 342 calls for service, conducted 32 traffic stops, engaged in 168 officer self-initiated activities, arrested 18 individuals, and took 67 reports. Charges for arrests included criminal trespassing, violating protection order, theft of property or services, criminal trespassing and more, according to the Crawford County inmate roster.

This reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/Localnews.