LYNNFIELD ― The Lynnfield Fire Department has joined two other Massachusetts communities in assisting the Hurricane Ida relief efforts in Louisiana as the state braces for Tropical Storm Nicholas.
Fire Capt. Kevin Muti, firefighter/paramedic Jeff Fiorentino, firefighter/EMT Andrew Nardone, and eight members of the Dalton and Carlisle Fire departments will be spending two weeks helping residents recover and also lending their support to overworked firefighters.
Fire Chief Glenn Davis said the group reported they encountered countless washed-out roads, sinkholes, and downed power lines as the caravan inched close to its destination of Baton Rouge, making travel extremely challenging.
“The area is still very much hard hit even now,” Davis said. “It’s clear that traveling is still a challenge and many people are still without power, so this is very much still a serious problem for many of the folks who live there.”
Fiorentino said the damage is worse than he imagined.
“Almost all of the houses have damage of some sort and the further south we go, the damage gets much worse,” he said. “Many homes are completely destroyed. What is remarkable is the way the community sticks together down here helping one another.”
The assistance comes on the heels of a request from the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the national emergency management mutual aid system that facilitates state-to-state disaster assistance.
“EMAC reached out to the fire chiefs looking for assistance from firefighters who have their own suppression gear, which includes their SCUBA breathing apparatus,” Davis said. “The response from our department was very strong with several people volunteering to go, but we could only take three.”
Davis said the group checked in with FEMA authorities upon arrival in Baton Rouge. They were then deployed to Thibodaux, a city in, and the parish seat of, Lafourche Parish about an hour away, as well as nearby Houma. Davis said the group may be deployed in other locations as well.
The group is scheduled to be stationed at several local fire stations to assist with repairs, and staffing needs, as well as handling incoming service calls that may include anything from medical aid to fire suppression.
“It’s one of the most damaged areas and some of these departments have been working 24/7,” said Davis. “Many of these people have damaged and lost homes, so this will allow them to tend to their own family needs. This crew will be able to provide services in support of those local first responders, so they can get some rest.”
Gov. Charlie Baker said the volunteer effort is vital in providing essential services, which were severely compromised as a result of the storm.
“On behalf of the residents of the commonwealth, I commend these firefighters, their families, and their departments for answering the call to help the people of Louisiana recover from the impacts of Hurricane Ida,” said Baker. “These firefighters will use their training and expertise to deliver essential support to Louisianians rebuilding their communities.”
“Massachusetts firefighters know the value of mutual aid, whether it comes across municipal borders or state lines,” Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey said. “When people need help, the fire service always takes the call. Our counterparts in Louisiana are confronting high temperatures, power and resource shortages, the fire and health risks associated with increased generator usage, and concerns about their own families. Firefighting is a physically- and mentally-demanding job even under the best conditions, so we know the challenges they’re facing right now.”
Fiorentino fears conditions may get worse before they get better.
“It’s tough, as now they are expected to have another five to 10 inches of rain on top of this from the next tropical storm (Nicholas) about to arrive,” he said.
Massachusetts is one of 21 states sending aid to Louisiana under EMAC, which functions as the nation’s all-hazards mutual aid system to coordinate the provision of certain emergency management assets.
