N Carolina sends emergency, fire officials to help in Hawaii

In this Saturday, May 19, 2018 photo, lava erupts inside the Leilani Estates in Pahoa, Hawaii. As lava flows have grown more vigorous in recent days, there’s concern more homes may burn and more evacuations may be ordered. (Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser via AP)

by: Associated Press

Posted: May 20, 2018 / 08:51 PM EDT

Updated: May 20, 2018 / 08:51 PM EDT

North Carolina officials say 10 emergency managers and fire service officials will work in Hawaii on the response to the erupting Kilauea volcano.

The state Department of Public Safety said in a news release that the 10 left Saturday after Hawaii’s state emergency management agency requested help.

The North Carolina team will work in Hilo and will support the Hawaii County Civil Defense agency.

Team members come from emergency management agencies in Bladen, Gates, Lee, McDowell, Moore and Onslow counties; fire departments in Cary, Charlotte and Greensboro and from N.C. Emergency Management.

The volcano began erupting more than two weeks ago and has burned dozens of homes and forced people to flee. It has gotten more hazardous in recent days, with flying lava causing the first major injury.