ASHEVILLE – Fire Chief Michael Cayse witnessed firsthand as Asheville firefighters — part of a swift-water rescue operation — saved a woman trapped on top of a cargo container in the raging waters of the Swannanoa River during Tropical Storm Helene’s onslaught.
“Due to trees, water and other storm-related debris, typical routes were impassable,” he said, but Capt. Scott Hare was able to access the “person in peril” and move her to safety.
Cayse talked about a firefighter new to the department, Wise Freeborn, who worked continuously for eight days, snatching sleep in a recliner to ensure others in the station had beds. He created an information board to share news with nearby residents, providing hourly updates, earning the moniker, “Google.”…