Lexington, Ky. – Four firefighters from the Lexington Fire Department are actively assisting victims and communities affected by Hurricane Helene. These first responders are currently involved in rescue operations and damage assessments in regions severely impacted by the storm.
Initially, three members of the department were deployed to Florida as part of Ohio Task Force One, a specialized urban search and rescue team. However, due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, they have been reassigned to North Carolina, where another District Chief has also joined an incident management team.
“They are still in a rescue mode. They are still actively searching and doing damage assessment,” stated Battalion Chief Chris Ward. The team’s mission involves looking for individuals who may still be trapped in collapsed buildings or affected areas, as widespread destruction has been reported. “Whole towns have been washed away,” Ward added, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Battalion Chief Ward, who has firsthand experience with similar deployments, noted the intensive training that his team undergoes to be prepared for such disasters. “Hurricane deployments involve significant water-related challenges, including storm surge and flooding,” he explained.
The situation resonates deeply with the Lexington firefighters. Many members of Ohio Task Force One serving in North Carolina have experienced similar disasters in eastern Kentucky, where they had previously responded to severe flooding. “The flooding that Asheville and eastern Tennessee has experienced is a lot like what happened in eastern Kentucky two years ago,” explained Ward.
As search, rescue, and recovery efforts continue, the commitment from firefighters aids communities in rebuilding following this catastrophic event. The efforts are critical in not only rescuing individuals but also in assessing damage to facilitate a coordinated response to help those in need.
