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Rescue crews from several Alabama fire departments are in North Carolina, helping with search-and-rescue efforts.Sean Kendrick, Calera fire chief, said his crew has joined rescuers from Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Prattville and Mobile. "While the teams were en route, they were notified that they would be flown in because the area they're working in was inaccessible," Kendrick said. "All the roads were flooded or washed out, and all the bridges were washed out, so the National Guard flew them in on Chinook helicopters." Their base is in Flat Creek, North Carolina. This is in Buncombe County and is located near Asheville.The Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service also reported on Sept. 29 that three of their personnel are in Asheville, North Carolina, and continue assisting in rescue efforts.The department requested prayers for its members and those in the area who have lost family members and all their belongings.Previous story: Alabama fire departments send rescue crews to hurricane stricken areas According to Calera's fire chief, this mission has taken an emotional toll on his crew."I've had a chance to speak with some of my guys that are deployed now and they're working hard," Kendrick said. "It's an emotional impact on them because they're dealing with loss of life, they're dealing with loss of property, and just dealing with a lot of folks that are really hurting right now."These crews are expected to return home around Sunday, Oct. 6.Meanwhile, Hurricane Helene relief efforts are underway at Oneonta Fire Department and Irondale Fire Department.Some items needed are bottled water, cleaning supplies, hand tools, baby supplies and more.You can drop items off at the Oneonta Fire Department or Allgood Town Hall Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. The deadline to give is Friday, Oct. 4.Irondale Fire Department's drive lasts until Sunday, Oct. 6. You can drop donations off at Irondale Fire Station 1, 2 or 3. They'll also be accepted at the Irondale Fire Department Administration Building. Around the country: National coverage from �������� 13