WASHINGTON — Montgomery and Fairfax counties are sending members of their rescue teams to places affected by Tropical Storm Florence.
And @VATF1 is headed out. Be safe! #HurricaneFlorence #Florence #fcfrd pic.twitter.com/lZEVl3NrwI
— Fairfax Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) September 16, 2018
The Federal Emergency Management Agency activated VA-TF1, from Fairfax County, on Saturday, and the team is sending a 16-person water rescue team to help with the storm response in North Carolina. Capt. Tracey Reed, who is part of the group that’s going, said that team will assist with flooding, searching for people and whatever missions FEMA has for them.
Members of @VATF1 continuing to get ready to head out. #HurricaneFlorence #fcfrd #Florence pic.twitter.com/PGnBLiv9ca
— Fairfax Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) September 16, 2018
Fairfax Fire and Rescue Chief John S. Butler was there to see the team off. The new chief started last September, taking over from the Richard Bowers who retired in April.
Members of @VATF1 packing up and getting ready to deploy. @ChiefJohnButler is here to support and see the team off. #fcfrd #hurricaneflorence pic.twitter.com/EWMt9MvQo1
— Fairfax Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) September 16, 2018
The Maryland Helicopter Aquatic (Swift Water) Search and Rescue was also activated by FEMA to help with Florence operations. The team includes members from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.
Maryland Helicopter Aquatic (Swift Water) Search & Rescue Technicians from @mcfrs will be deployed as part of @MDMEMA @MDNG Emergency Management Assistance Compact ( EMAC) to the Carolinas to assist in search & rescue ops #HurricaneFlorence #TropicalStormFlorence https://t.co/VpwiMeYAAB
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) September 15, 2018
On Wednesday, the 80-person strong Maryland Task Force One headed to South Carolina, ahead of the potentially catastrophic Hurricane Florence. The team had been on standby until it became clear that the brunt of Florence wasn’t going to smash the D.C. area. After South Carolina, they will go where FEMA sends them. A spokesman for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue service said Sunday that Maryland Task Force One will likely head to western North Carolina next.
