Overview
- Fifteen people camping at Littlefield's campground on Spring Creek were stranded by fast-rising floodwaters that followed overnight storms and law enforcement reported the situation the morning of June 14.
- Tahlequah Fire Department led the response and worked with Peggs units, the Grand River Dam Authority, Illinois River and Locust Grove responders to mount the rescue.
- Responders used rescue boats to travel about a quarter-mile from the nearest accessible road to the campsite and ferry the group back to a nearby staging area.
- All 15 campers were removed safely with no injuries reported and officials shared operational details on Tahlequah Fire Department’s Facebook page.
- The episode underscores how low-lying creekside campsites can become hazardous after heavy overnight rain and shows the importance of coordinated local water-rescue capability for remote recreational areas.