MCFR deploys task force ahead of Hurricane Helene landfall


[Marion County Fire Rescue]

Home » Safety
Posted September 26, 2024 | By Caroline Brauchler
caroline@ocalagazette.com

Marion County Fire Rescue has deployed 28 personnel to join an emergency response task force in Jacksonville ahead of the landfall of Hurricane Helene, which is expected to reach the Florida Panhandle as a Category 4 on Thursday night.

Locally, western Marion County remains under a hurricane warning and eastern and western Marion are under a tropical storm warning.

Thursday afternoon, tropical storm conditions will be possible with showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could be severe. The chance of precipitation is 60%, according to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville.
Thursday night, tropical storm conditions are expected, with showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 5 a.m. and a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 a.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Low around 76. The chance of precipitation is 90%, according to NWS Jacksonville.

MCFR is part of FL USAR Task Force 8, which is made up of technical rescue specialists from MCFR, Gainesville Fire Rescue and Ocala Fire Rescue.

“The team will be deploying with the Army National Guard for helicopter search and rescue operations with swift water rescue capabilities. Our task force deployed four boats and 13 vehicles with the ability to complete water rescues, search and rescue operations and structural damage assessments,” wrote MCFR.

Additionally, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission deployed its first wave of officers throughout the state ahead of the storm’s landfall.

“Please stay safe, out of the water, and off the roads, so first responders can arrive quickly to help,” wrote FWC.

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