Charlotte Fire Crews Deploy to Coast Ahead of Hurricane Erin’s Approach
CHARLOTTE, NC – As Hurricane Erin edges closer to the East Coast, emergency response teams from across North Carolina are springing into action — including the Charlotte Fire Department, which has deployed its Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 3 to assist with coastal readiness and storm response.
Charlotte Fire Activates Specialized Rescue Team
On Saturday, Charlotte Fire’s Task Force 3 — a highly trained Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) unit — was activated by North Carolina Emergency Management. The team is part of the state’s coordinated effort to prepare for the potential landfall and impacts of Hurricane Erin, which is forecasted to bring coastal flooding, strong winds, and storm surge to portions of the Outer Banks and surrounding communities.
The deployment includes 45 personnel and over 100,000 pounds of specialized rescue equipment, including:
- Structural collapse tools
- Water rescue gear
- Emergency medical supplies
- Communication systems
Deputy Fire Chief Mark Basnight emphasized the team’s readiness:
“Charlotte Fire is proud to serve as a critical part of North Carolina’s emergency response system. Our USAR team is trained and equipped to handle complex rescues during storm events like Hurricane Erin.”
Part of a Statewide Mobilization
Charlotte Fire’s deployment is in coordination with other regional USAR teams stationed in Raleigh, Greensboro, Asheville, and Wilmington, as part of the state’s broader disaster preparedness strategy. These deployments are being made proactively in anticipation of the hurricane’s track — even as exact landfall remains uncertain.
Officials say positioning teams closer to likely impact zones will reduce response times and increase the effectiveness of rescue operations in case of collapsed structures or widespread flooding.
Local Agencies on High Alert
With coastal evacuations already underway in Dare and Hyde counties, local agencies across the state — including those in Mecklenburg County — are bracing for potential inland effects of the storm, such as flash flooding and power outages.
Residents are being encouraged to monitor official updates and prepare emergency kits, even in areas not directly along the coast.
Charlotte Fire officials noted that while their Task Force is now stationed near the coast, fire stations across the city remain fully staffed and operational for local emergencies.
About Charlotte’s Task Force 3
Charlotte’s Task Force 3 is one of seven FEMA-recognized USAR teams in North Carolina, trained to respond to:
- Building collapses
- Flood rescues
- Tornado damage
- Natural disasters
The team frequently participates in statewide and national deployments, including past responses to hurricanes and flooding events.
Charlotte Fire’s involvement in Hurricane Erin preparedness reflects not only the city’s commitment to public safety but also the broader importance of inter-agency collaboration during times of crisis.
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