Colorado firefighters travel to Florida to assist with hurricane recovery efforts

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (KKTV) – On Thursday, 45 members of Colorado’s Task Force One, including four Colorado Springs firefighters, packed up and began their drive south to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Firefighters said they were on the road for 22 hours to get to Chattanooga, TN. They stopped in Chattanooga to assess Hurricane Helene’s damage before they made their way to Florida.

They said they were ready for water and land search and rescue efforts and anything else they may be needed for amidst the aftermath of the hurricane.

By the time the hurricane made landfall on Thursday, it was a dangerous category-four hurricane with heavy winds and a high storm surge.

Firefighters said they slept about four hours in Chattanooga before making their way to Pinellas County, FL near Tampa.

They said there was significant damage in many areas. Local first responders were conducting search and rescue missions, and when they arrive they plan to assist with recovery efforts as well.

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