Raleigh firefighters join effort to help in Hurricane Helene rescue operations

Raleigh firefighters are among rescue crews from across the country heading to western North Carolina to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Task Force 8 is a search-and-rescue team from Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. The new group will spend at least a week in the town of Weaverville to help with rescues.

“I feel comfortable saying this is the most significant in-state disaster our team has ever responded to,” said Raleigh Division Chief Patrick Marks.

The crew already in western North Carolina has had five water rescues on the Pigeon River in Haywood County, evacuated more than 25 people and their pets, and helped about three dozen people shelter in place. They’ve also searched close to 40 buildings.

Marks said Friday and Saturday were busy days for Task Force 8. He estimated the group had about 50 human interactions each day.

The Raleigh Fire Department also sent its only high-water truck to help.

“They are going in to assist the Asheville Fire Department to let their people go home to rest and get relief,” said Raleigh Fire Chief Herbert Griffin.

Griffin said the group trains for these types of situations, but the mental strain of what they are seeing is often hard.

“They are putting others needs before their own eventually we know this will affect them,” Griffin said.

This new group that plans to go out must bring their own food and water and will sleep in the fire station.

Teams from Task Force 8 were set to come home this week, but that is being reevaluated.

“It’s tough on firefighters and first responders,” Griffin said. “Being away from your homes and your children.