North Raleigh Today

The Raleigh Fire Department is deploying fourteen firefighters to western North Carolina in anticipation of Hurricane Helene. This team, part of an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) unit, will be stationed in Waynesville, located in Haywood County.

Chief Patrick Marks oversees the deployment. "It's our job to be prepared and we are up for the challenge. We aren't just Raleigh firefighters, we are North Carolinians and we are here to help our fellow North Carolinians," he stated.

These USAR teams undergo extensive training, clocking between 50-100 hours annually. Their training covers various rescue scenarios including trench rescues, building collapses, and swift water rescues.

For firefighter Matt Wacenske, this marks his third deployment within the state. He acknowledges the inherent risks but finds the work highly fulfilling. "While you're in the moment, we're just doing our job. But, at the end of the day, it's a great feeling knowing you've helped someone who really needed the help," Wacenske said.

The team is prepared for a seven-day stay in Haywood County.