Local fire and rescue hall sends help to Western North Carolina

"Just seeing how devasting it was up there, I knew we had to do something."

COLUMBUS COUNTY (WWAY) — First responders from across the state have been in Western North Carolina, helping out with rescues and a number of other efforts.
Out in Nikina is a fire and rescue hall like no other, and Chase Soles, one of Columbus County’s youngest fire chiefs, is bringing it out of a nearly month-long suspension. And he’s on a mission, helping others whether that’s here locally or far away.

“We didn’t really get hit hard here. Throughout the night, I was monitoring the weather situation, and just seeing how devasting it was up there, I knew we had to do something,” Soles says.
That’s how you give a helping hand.
“They’re assisting in answering calls with Black Mountain Fire Department. They assisted with rescues. Now, some calls they couldn’t make that assist,” says Soles.
Four members of the 40-person crew were deployed to Buncombe County to help with destruction from Hurricane Helene. Captain Bobby Nichols and Firefighters Chris Chinni, Adam Voyales, and Joey Santos are the crew to help.
“These guys have ever been on deployment. They didn’t really know what to expect. I told them to make sure you have all of the essential items you need,” Soles says.
The crew went out Friday. They were released from their duties on Monday, Sept. 30th.
“There was no cell service whatsoever. I couldn’t get up with my guys for at least three hours,” Soles says.
However, there was no doubt in his mind they couldn’t get the job done.
“I cannot thank my guys enough for leaving their families– responding to another county’s emergencies and putting their lives on the line they never met.”