Maryland, Virginia crews deploy to assist FEMA with Hurricane Debby

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now) — Crews in Maryland and Virginia are deploying to assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with Hurricane Debby as it approaches the coast.

David Pazos, a spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS), said MD Task Force 1 members left Sunday night for South Carolina, where they will await further instructions.

Pazos said 45 MCFRS members are deploying, along with two canines and six boats.

The task force deploys nationwide supporting federal disasters ranging from wide area searches, hurricanes, flooding and more, according to the department.

Pete Piringer, a spokesperson for MCFRS, posted a video of fire chief Corey Smedley discussing the crew’s departure. According to Smedley, the team left around 8:30 p.m. and will be gone for around two weeks.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue is also sending 45 people, six boats and two rescue dogs as part of its Urban Search and Rescue team to assist the region. According to the department, the crew is also expected to leave Sunday night and will be gone for at least two weeks.

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