Tampa Bay first responders join rescue efforts in the breakdown of the Surfside apartment

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – A task force from Tampa Bay is now on site at Surfside to assist with the rescue effort.

Task Force 3 is a highly trained urban rescue team with members from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Tampa Fire Rescue and St. Petersburg Fire Rescue.

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They posted themselves to Surfside early Saturday and immediately joined the rescue operations.

“Our mission is essentially to relieve the guys who have already been here,” said Task Force 3 Captain Rick Vila.

Your job is physically demanding and dangerous.

Photo wall for those missing when the condo building collapsed in Surfside

A fire burned deep in the wreckage on Saturday afternoon at the site of the collapsed Champlain Towers South building. The fire has the potential to release hazardous chemicals and containments into the air.

First responders use respirators to minimize the risk, but moving debris exacerbates their problems.

Above the rescue team, the rest of the Champlain Towers South building is unstable and has the potential for another collapse.

The 2018 report showed major damage to the concrete structure of the Surfside Condo

“We definitely have to stay on our feet, keep our heads on a swivel joint, take care of each other, we don’t want anyone to get hurt,” said Vila.

Your main focus is on the search for signs of life.

“It’s definitely going to be a challenge, but we’re ready for the challenge, that’s why we’re here. We are ready to work and stay as long as they need us, ”he said.

The post Tampa Bay first responders join rescue efforts in the breakdown of the Surfside apartment first appeared on Daily Florida Press.

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