Arkansas firefighters in Florida to assist in rescue missions after Hurricane Milton

VIDEO: In partnership with the Arkansas National Guard and under the Arkansas Urban Search and Rescue team, four firefighters who are certified in helicopter rescues were deployed to Tallahassee, Florida. These men include Capt. Nathan Meeks from Rogers Fire, Capt. Tony Gage from Fayetteville Fire, Chief Bill Keithley with Conway Fire and Chief Wesley Stevens from North Little Rock Fire. "Those individuals will be doing specialized rescue, that stuff that you can't reach by foot that are inaccessible by boat. I think you probably had noticed on the news that there were many homes that were destroyed in the Carolinas and that were completely surrounded by inaccessible water, you know, swift water and folks needed rescue quickly. So that's what this team is all about. This helicopter component is a quick reaction force to help people out," Willie Watts, the deputy director for special operations with the Washington County Emergency Management office, said.
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Benton County: Northwest Arkansas National Airport fire crews on alert as dry weather conditions persist

VIDEO: Fire crews across Northwest Arkansas are staying on alert as dry weather conditions persist. According to fire officials, there hasn’t been a grass or brush fire reported at Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) recently, but Fire Chief Chad Breeden says the dry weather can impact the airport. “It varies," Breeden said. "This time of year, you see an increase in grass fires in and around the area and the airport.” Breeden said grass fires are not uncommon on airport grounds. He noted that while they occur just like anywhere else, his crew must respond quickly. “You know, we are responsible for aircraft response," he said. "So, not only do you see cities dealing with structure fires and grass fires, but we also have aircraft emergencies.”
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