Firefighters help rescue 15 campers from rising floodwaters

CNN Newsource on June 15, 2026

First responders rescued 15 people camping in Cherokee County as floodwaters began to rise early Sunday morning.

By Addison Kliewer

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    PEGGS, Oklahoma (KOCO) — First responders rescued 15 people camping in Cherokee County as floodwaters began to rise early Sunday morning.

Firefighters from multiple agencies responded to Littlefield’s campground at Spring Creek, which is near Peggs, after law enforcement reported that 15 people were stranded in the floodwaters while camping just before 11 a.m. The flooding happened after overnight storms hit the area.

Rescue boats were deployed, and first responders were able to reach the campsite about a quarter of a mile from the nearest accessible county road, according to firefighters. Campers were safely rescued from their camp with no injuries.

First responders from Tahlequah, Peggs, the Grand River Dam Authority, Illinois River and Locust Grove all assisted with the rescue.

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