Volunteer Firefighter Threatened with Arrest After Hurricane Rescue Efforts in NC

A South Carolina volunteer firefighter, Jordan Seidhom, faced threats of arrest after using his personal helicopter to rescue victims stranded by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. His heroic efforts were met with resistance from local officials due to flight restrictions imposed by the Biden-Harris administration. The restrictions, including a no-fly zone for private flights and drones, were enacted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the Department of Transportation, headed by Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

The controversy began after Hurricane Helene ravaged rural areas in North Carolina, leaving many residents trapped by floodwaters and debris. On Saturday morning, Seidhom, a volunteer firefighter and experienced helicopter pilot, saw a post on Facebook about a stranded family in Banner Elk, North Carolina. With his son, also a volunteer firefighter, Seidhom decided to take action, loading his helicopter with food and bottled water before setting off to help those in need.

“I thought, I have a helicopter, maybe I can help,” Seidhom told Queen City News. The firefighter, with 1,400 flight hours under his belt, had coordinated with Charlotte-Douglas International Airport’s Air Traffic Control to ensure clearance for his flight. With permission granted, Seidhom and his son flew toward the mountains, making several rescue trips throughout the weekend.

Seidhom’s first rescue attempts were successful. He landed near the affected areas, helping stranded residents and delivering much-needed supplies. On Sunday, while flying over Lake Lure with his son, they spotted a woman waving frantically for help. After confirming her distress, Seidhom decided to land, despite the challenging terrain, and rescued the woman while leaving his son behind with her husband.

As Seidhom flew the rescued woman to safety, he was met by local first responders who praised his efforts. However, the situation quickly escalated when an official from the Lake Lure Fire Department intervened, shutting down Seidhom’s operation. The official reprimanded Seidhom for not coordinating with their team, even though Seidhom had been working with local law enforcement and rescue personnel.

“The official asked me who I was, and I explained everything,” Seidhom recounted. “I’d been coordinating with law enforcement and other first responders since I arrived.” Despite this, the Lake Lure official ordered Seidhom to leave the area and forbade him from returning to complete his rescue efforts.

This decision put Seidhom in a difficult position. His son and the stranded woman’s husband were still on the mountainside, awaiting rescue. Seidhom explained the situation to the Lake Lure official, but was met with the chilling response: “If you go back up the mountain, you’re going to be arrested.”

Facing the threat of arrest, Seidhom pleaded with local officers, explaining the urgency of retrieving his son and the remaining victim. Unsure of what to do, the officers couldn’t provide clear guidance, leaving Seidhom torn between risking arrest or leaving his son and the hurricane victim behind. “At that point, I had to make a decision,” Seidhom said.

He then consulted with an out-of-state fire chief assisting with the recovery efforts. The fire chief advised him that while they couldn’t officially authorize the rescue, they would support him once he completed it. With their reassurance, Seidhom took off and flew back to retrieve his son, leaving the stranded husband behind for the time being.

Adding to the chaos, Seidhom discovered that within 30 minutes of being threatened with arrest, a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) had been established over the Lake Lure gap, further complicating his rescue attempts. The restriction, part of a broader policy implemented by the Biden-Harris administration, prohibited private flights and drones from entering the area to ensure emergency responders could operate without interference. However, many have criticized the TFR as overly restrictive, limiting the ability of private volunteers like Seidhom to assist in life-saving efforts.

Secretary Pete Buttigieg defended the no-fly zones, stating they were designed to prioritize emergency responders. “The restrictions are in place to ensure safety and allow authorized personnel to do their jobs without interference,” Buttigieg said. However, critics argue that the regulations have prevented private citizens from contributing to disaster relief efforts, even when their actions directly aid those in need.

After the TFR was lifted on Monday, Seidhom returned to the area, undeterred by the previous threats. Rejoining the Carolina Emergency Response Team, which had called for private helicopters to assist in recovery operations, Seidhom resumed his work, once again providing crucial aid to those trapped by the hurricane.

Despite the threats and bureaucratic roadblocks, Seidhom’s actions highlight the growing debate over the balance between government control and private initiative during disaster relief efforts. While regulations are crucial for maintaining safety during emergencies, they can sometimes hinder quick and effective action from volunteers willing to put themselves at risk to help others.

The story of Seidhom and his son showcases the dedication of ordinary citizens during times of crisis, even in the face of bureaucratic obstacles. Their determination to help, despite the challenges, underscores the importance of allowing flexibility in disaster response protocols, especially when lives are at stake.

The government doesn’t want you to see what is really going on in North Carolina https://t.co/GqlyQSmzsX

— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) October 3, 2024

BREAKING: Pete Buttigieg announces private drones are RESTRICTED from flying over hurricane areas. This prevents civilian volunteers from locating victims in need or showing footage of the disaster pic.twitter.com/BLjfuOuhYl

— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) October 3, 2024