Burnet County continues search for missing Marble Falls volunteer fire chief

BURNET COUNTY, Texas - The Burnet County Sheriff's Office said it was still continuing its search for a missing Marble Falls area fire chief.

In an update Saturday morning, the sheriff's office said five people had died as a result of flooding and that Fire Chief Mike Phillips was still missing.

Search for VFD Fire Chief Michael Phillips

What they're saying:

"Currently, the search for Chief Phillips is ongoing," the sheriff's office said. "Specialist teams and equipment continue to deploy into the search area and work themselves to exhaustion or until nightfall in the effort to find him."

Past President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Gary Ludwig, said Phillips went missing early Saturday after being swept away by floodwaters while responding to a call in Cow Creek. 

Chief Phillips was driving an emergency vehicle when he went missing in the early morning of July 5. 

The vehicle has been found. However, Phillips has not been found with the vehicle, or anywhere else.

Honoring Chief Phillips

Dig deeper:

Tributes to Chief Phillips have been shared or planned.

Marble Falls ISD

MFISD shared a heartfelt post about Phillips to their social media. Phillips had worked for the district for nearly three decades as an HVAC specialist before becoming director of maintenance.

MFISD's full statement reads:

"With heavy hearts, Marble Falls ISD joins our community in honoring the life and legacy of Chief Michael Phillips, MFVFD, who remains missing following his heroic efforts during the devastating July 4th floods.
To us, Chief Phillips was more than a first responder—he was a beloved member of our MFISD family and a cherished friend. Serving the district faithfully for 28 years, Michael began as an HVAC Specialist before becoming Director of Maintenance in 2002–2003. With quiet strength and integrity, he oversaw daily facility operations and led major Bond projects that shaped the future of our schools. Many of the buildings and learning spaces our students benefit from today were built or renovated under his leadership, reflecting his deep pride and dedication to providing safe, well-maintained settings for our students and staff.
As the search continues, our hearts are heavy with grief. Michael’s unwavering commitment to protecting others—demonstrated in his final act of service—is a powerful reflection of the man we know him to be.
We offer our deepest love and prayers to the Phillips family, the Marble Falls VFD, and all who knew and loved him. He will always be remembered as a true hero.  #MustangsForever"

Marble Falls Rodeo's First Responder Night

The Marble Falls Rodeo plans to honor Phillips at the beginning of the festivities on Friday, July 18th at 8 p.m. at the Charley Taylor arena.

First responders can attend for free; ticket prices for everyone else range from $15 to $20. Kids age six and under can also attend for free.

Flooding deaths in Central Texas

By the numbers:

At least 103 people have died in Kerr County, including 36 children, at last count.

161 people in Kerr County are now known to be missing, including at least five girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic are still missing.

In Travis County, there were at least nine deaths and also significant damage to infrastructure.

Kendall County has reported eight deaths.

Burnet County has at least five deaths confirmed. A Marble Falls volunteer fire chief is still missing.

Williamson County reports three deaths and Tom Green County has one death confirmed.

Officials say as for missing people, there is one in Burnet and four in Travis County.

Resources and donations for those impacted

• Texas flooding: State, county resources, services for those affected
• Texas flooding: Resources for those impacted
• Texas flooding: Businesses, organizations donate to recovery, relief efforts

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