Columbia-Richland Fire Department deploys personnel and equipment to assist with flooding from Hurricane Florence

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department has deployed 15 personnel, along with a contingent of specialized vehicles and equipment to assist with potential water search/rescues, due to the flooding caused by Hurricane Florence. Personnel and equipment were sent to the Midland Fire Department in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, where flooding is rising due to the amount of water dumped in the Pee Dee River system.

“In 2015 we went through a smaller version of this type of flooding with Hurricane Joaquin and if it were not for departments across the state we would have really struggled to provide the most effective support to our community,” said Jamie Helms, Columbia-Richland Fire Department Assistant Chief. We have been on stand-by to repay this dept for a period of time and now it is our time to act. We are always cautious when we send people away, but are always willing to help out our counterparts across the state of South Carolina.”

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department has sent three swiftwater boats, two ATV vehicles, a collapsed rescue truck and additional supplies to assist with water search/rescue operations including food and water. The fire department is currently standing by for additional requests from areas impacted by the flooding.