FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas — Northwest Arkansas (NWA) first responders departed Monday (Aug. 30) morning to assist with Hurricane Ida search and rescue efforts in Southern Louisiana.
They are all members of NWA Task Force-1 Urban Search & Rescue, a force made up of members of many NWA departments, including the Rogers, Springdale, Siloam Springs and Fayetteville Fire Departments, along with members of the Washington County Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
“This event like a lot of weather-related events, are prewarned events so we are able to ramp up and get ready for those, you a couple of days in advance," said Willie Watts with the Fayetteville Fire Department. "We did that with this we had gotten the notification that the state of Louisiana might ask for some assistance and indeed they did and we were able to prepare ourselves and ready ourselves a few days ahead of time. ”
On the road to Baton Rouge, Watts told 5 News he didn't know what to expect as these conditions can be unpredictable.
“We’re not really certain of what we’re walking into. But we have deployed on several of the last major hurricanes that struck the US generally you find about the same, you know, conditions obviously a lot of flooded areas and a lot of flooded areas and a lot of damage and debris and things of that nature and there’s also many individuals that elected to stay behind," said Watts.
While rescuers say they have to be physically prepared, they are also preparing mentally for the devastation they might face while in Louisiana.
"It does take a toll on you it is hard to see people have to go through situations like this," said Washington County Emergency Management Director John Luther. "There is a part of you that’s appreciative that you can come help and try to give help."
While both members of the rescue efforts say they don't know what is coming, they say they are proud to represent Arkansas.
A majority of the task force from Northwest Arkansas has already arrived in Baton Rouge, with others not far behind. The rescue and recovery efforts will begin Tuesday (Aug. 31).
