As a tropical storm heads towards the Florida Gulf coast, a group of rescuers from Vestavia Hills are deploying to assist in search and rescue operations.

Six members of the Vestavia Hills Swift Water Team are heading to Florida Saturday to help with the aftermath of the tropical depression which is expected to become stronger over the next 24 hours, the team stated in a press release Saturday. It is made up of personnel from the Vestavia Hills Fire Department, Hoover Fire Department and Calera Fire Department.

“Vestavia Hills Fire Department always stands ready to help those in need,” said Vestavia Hills Fire Chief Marvin Green. “We are proud to have the available assets – both highly-trained personnel and specialized equipment – to quickly assist in an impactful way and work to keep everyone as safe as possible.”

The Florida Division of Emergency Management requested help through the Alabama Mutual Aid System.

The team may be deployed for up to 10 days. A second team from the Mobile Fire-Rescue will also travel to aid the effort.