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.