Nebraska Task Force 1, the urban search and rescue team based with Lincoln Fire and Rescue, has been activated and is being sent to Alexandria, Louisiana in anticipation of Hurricane Ida.
The team left Lincoln late Friday afternoon from the Municipal Service Center, 901 W. Bond St. The team includes 40 firefighters from LFR, the Omaha Fire Department, and civilian members who include dog handlers and structural engineers.
Hurricane Ida was moving into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico on Friday. Forecasters warned that Ida is headed over exceptionally warm waters was was likely to rapidly intensify. It is expected to be a category 3 or stronger as it approaches Louisianna and Mississippi