Hurricane Irma Response: 4 Baltimore County Firefighters Helping FEMA

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD - Four members of the Baltimore County Fire Department were deployed this week to help FEMA respond to Hurricane Irma.

One - Lieutenant Byron Welker - also went to Texas recently to assist with the Hurricane Harvey efforts, officials said.

In addition to Welker, Baltimore County public safety officials say that Fire Lieutenant Gouak, Fire Lieutenant Brandon Watkins and Fire Apparatus Driver Operator Shawn Drees will be working to assist FEMA with rescue and recovery operations related to Hurricane Irma out of Alabama. (Get Patch’s real-time news alerts, like us on Facebook or download the free iPhone app.)

"These are skilled professionals who have shown tremendous caring and heart," County Executive Kevin Kamenetz said in a statement. "We continue to keep the people of Texas, and now everyone in Irma's path, in our thoughts."

Hurricane Irma: Southeast Braces For Big Hit

6 Baltimore County Workers Helping With Harvey Disaster Response

In Baltimore County, emergency officials say they are monitoring Hurricane Irma's activity.

As of 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, Hurricane Irma was 405 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. Irma has weakened slightly to a Category 4 storm but could still hit Florida late Saturday with deadly strength. The hurricane was packing maximum sustained winds of 150 mph Friday morning and was expected to maintain that power nearing Florida.

The National Weather Service advised that if Hurricane Irma heads for the mid-Atlantic, it would not be until late Monday to Wednesday.

"We are fortunate to have well-trained personnel and state-of-the-art equipment for our response, should this storm affect us," Baltimore County Fire Chief Kyrle W. Preis III said in a statement. "In the meantime, this is the right time for our citizens to take stock of their own emergency kits and other personal preparedness needs."

Hurricane Irma: Maryland Governor Says 'Prepare Now'

Pet Safety Before Storm Hits: Tips From Mid-Atlantic Nonprofit

Pictured, Lieutenant Byron Welker, in the red vest, works with a FEMA task force in areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey. He is now working on the response to Hurricane Irma. Photo courtesy of Baltimore County Police and Fire.