A Spokane firefighter has traveled to Newton, North Carolina, to support relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Lieutenant Brenden Craig is part of a local incident management team deployed to assist with recovery. The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho overseas his teams response, though they arent tied just to wildfire season.
“Anything else they call us for,” Craig said. “Water systems are out. Sewage systems are completely destroyed.”
North Carolina Emergency Management is shifting its focus from rescue to recovery. Craig’s work includes building emergency communication equipment to ensure all personnel are in touch in the wake of chaos.
“We’re here to help get things right and do what we can in the meantime,” Craig said. “The boots on the ground, the people working, the people who are here – they just want to help.”
Hurricane Helene has been devastating, with more than 230 fatalities reported and significant destruction across North Carolina. Floods have wiped out roads and neighborhoods, making the recovery efforts critical.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has released $100 million in emergency funds to rebuild infrastructure, including roads and bridges damaged by the storm.
Craig will remain in North Carolina for two weeks as part of an ongoing federal presence with rotating crews aiding in the relief efforts.
