KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Firefighters from Kansas City, Missouri, and the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District should return to the Kansas City metro this week after helping flood victims in and around Houston.
Some Kansas City Salvation Army members are still in Houston serving meals.
Both teams of first responders called the destruction extensive and said it will take a long time for the Houston area to recover.
Kirk Lair, Assistant Chief of the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District, said he was amazed at the devastation.
"We had evacuated probably about 25; a lot of the houses that we went by have been cleared already or partly cleared, and when we went back, by another day there were many people that didn't leave the first round who wanted to leave when we came through," explained Lair.
KCMO Deputy Fire Chief Todd Ackerson explained that the Kansas City firefighters were on two strike teams from Missouri responsible for evacuating about 300 people from flooded homes and businesses. They checked more than 4,000 homes. He said the flood victims were grateful and made the first responders feel at home in Texas.
"Well, it feels good that this is what draws us firefighters into the fire service because that is what we do around the community and helping folks," said Ackerson.
The Kansas City Salvation Army has three volunteers serving near Houston, preparing almost 4,000 meals a day. They are also there to help provide emotional and spiritual care for flood victims.
Joyce Schau, Director of Social Services for Kansas and Missouri, is in the Houston area.
"We see signs all over that read, 'Harvey was Strong; but Texas is Stronger,' and that really captures how people are rallying around each other," said Schau. "It's good to see."
As Hurricane Irma approaches, flood victims in Houston are concerned about getting another round of flooding. Firefighters, the Salvation Army, and Red Cross officials said they are prepared to respond to Irma no matter where it makes landfall.
