As the focus in New Orleans shifts from providing emergency and rescue services to rejuvenating the city stricken in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, local firefighters continue to aid in the effort.

After receiving the call to provide assistance, fire departments from DeKalb and the surrounding area dispatched a light task force comprised of 15 firefighters and four vehicles to New Orleans Sept. 5.

The group is part of a larger contingent of some 600 fire personnel from Illinois.

The task force is continuing to provide services ranging from basic fire protection to humanitarian missions, said DeKalb Fire Chief Lanny Russell.

“They’ve done a little bit of everything down there,” Russell said. “They’ve had some really good opportunities to provide humanitarian aid.”

Sycamore Fire Chief Bill Riddle said disorganization was prevalent in the early days of the operation.

“The first few days, there really wasn’t much organization,” Riddle said. “Once things got more organized in three or four days, things ran much more smoothly.”

During the first few days, daytime operations performed by emergency personnel in New Orleans had been limited to three mobile task forces positioned strategically throughout the metropolitan area.

Because of safety concerns, emergency crews could do little at night. When night operations were required, participating personnel were accompanied by a military escort due to the upsurge in crime in the wake of the devastation.

Riddle said televised scenes on the ground in New Orleans were unable to accurately convey the reality of the situation.

“The damage is not adequately reflected from what you see on TV,” Riddle said. “The city is almost deserted. It’s spooky.”

Russell said the firefighters have faced long, difficult workdays since arriving last week but the situation has improved as more personnel and supplies have flowed into the New Orleans area.

“They’ve been working 16 to 18-hour days, but the conditions on the ground have improved,” Russell said.

Hygiene issues posed a particular problem early on, but the problem has been alleviated with the recent arrival of portable toilets and showers. In addition, the delivery of air-conditioned, 25-person tents has provided relief from the oppressive heat and humidity, Russell said.

Two area firefighters will soon join the task force at which time nine members currently on the ground will return home. About 200 Illinois fire personnel are expected to remain in the New Orleans area for approximately two more weeks.

Russell believes the experience area firefighters gain in New Orleans will prove valuable to home departments upon their return.

“One of the side benefits is that they’ve really bonded and come together as a team,” Russell said. “That will definitely help us when they return.”

The cost of deploying the Illinois firefighters, estimated at $12 million, will be reimbursed in full by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Russell said.