Three members of t Fire-Rescue Department were seriously injured in a vehicle crash early Sunday while heading to assist in hurricane relief efforts in North Carolina, officials said.

"These first responders put their own lives on the line every day, here at home and around the country when called," said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has deployed a search and rescue task force to the East Coast to help areas impacted by Hurricane Helene, which has killed at least 40 people and caused widespread destruction.