Local firefighters travel south to help Hurricane Florence relief efforts

LEWES, Del. – Some local fire companies are lending a helping hand to those battling the remnants of Florence, a hurricane now turned tropical depression.

Several fire companies in Delaware, including Felton and Lewes fire departments have made their way down to the Carolinas to aid rescue and relief efforts.

47 ABC is told this is the first time these fire companies have traveled out of state to do something like this.

In total, 36 of the 42 firefighters are volunteering their time to the cause.

Tucker Dempsey, an administrator with the Delaware Fire School and a leader of this effort tells us he hopes the dedication of these brave men and women will inspire other states to help one another in a time of need.

Dempsey said, “They’re itching to do something. That’s why we want to get out there and help. That’s what drives these guys down there. These are the same people that do this for you on any given day. By doing this, if something bad happens in the state of Delaware, we can expect other states to reciprocate.”

The firefighters are expected to brave the heavy rains for at least seven days and that’s if they don’t get trapped due to the magnitude of flooding down south.