Local first responders to assist in rescue, recovery efforts in Hawaii

Three local firefighters will travel to Maui to assist in rescue and recovery efforts following deadly wildfires.

Bargersville Fire Deputy Chief Mike Pruitt, Greenwood Fire Lt. Justin Laraway and White River Township Engineer Paramedic Mike Combs will be among the roughly 70 Indiana Task Force One members traveling to Hawaii later this week following devastating wildfires on the island of Maui. Indiana Task Force 1 was activated as a Type 1 Urban Search and Rescue team on Tuesday, and on Wednesday members were working on securing flights to Hawaii, spokespeople for the task force said.

At least 106 people have been reported dead from the Hawaiian wildfires so far, and Hawaii Gov. Josh Green warned many more bodies could be found in the coming days, the Associated Press reported.

Indiana Task Force 1 is made up of personnel from police and fire departments across central Indiana, as well as civilians. Earlier this week, two members, including a K-9 unit, deployed from Indiana to Maui as the search for survivors continues.

The fires are the deadliest in U.S. history in more than a century, and have left more than 11,000 displaced, according to news reports.