A task force of firefighters and first responders from Maryland landed in San Juan this week to assist with the response to Hurricane Fiona, the storm that has devastated the island, leading to flooding and widespread power outages.

The team — called Maryland Task Force 1 — consists of fire and EMS members from Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Howard County. About 35 task force members took the trip, according to Montgomery County officials.

The team is FEMA-approved to be part of the federal response to disasters, both man-made and natural. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich told reporters on Wednesday that the group has been sent to assist with nine disasters over the past five years. They also responded to the Pentagon on 9/11.

“We’re proud of the fact that the first call for help went to the Maryland Task Force 1,” Elrich said during his weekly press briefing on Wednesday.

Officials said the team will likely spend their time in Puerto Rico largely assisting with humanitarian aid efforts, though that is subject to change. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue service division chief Gary Cooper said many of the first responders who went are trained in water rescue, too.

“The team is doing well,” Cooper told reporters during the press briefing. Cooper said they’re “at a local hotel in San Juan proper, and they’re waiting for any mission that they may be called upon.”

Cooper said the group has committed to a stay of between 10 and 14 days, depending on the need.

The task force of Maryland firefighters and first responders joins a number of other local efforts to assist Puerto Rico in the devastating aftermath of the storm.

Local bars and restaurants – including La Famosa in Navy Yard, Qui Qui DC in Shaw, and JR’s Bar and Grill in Dupont Circle are all donating proceeds or hosting events to support the island, according to Washingtonian.

The hurricane is now categorized as a category 4 as it heads north this week. In addition to DMV-based relief efforts, NPR has also compiled a list of organizations helping the people of Puerto Rico recover.