The group of 46 firefighters from agencies across San Diego County will assist with flood rescues, search operations and emergency management in North Carolina

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has deployed a search and rescue task force to the East Coast to help areas impacted by Hurricane Helene, which has killed at least 40 people and caused widespread destruction.

California deployed 151 firefighters and support from across the state Friday, including members of San Diego Fire Rescue. The storm made landfall Thursday night as a Category 4 hurricane, killing dozens of people across four states and causing widespread damage.

Four people have been deployed from Southern California, including one from San Diego, though that number could increase in the coming weeks.