Six volunteers with the Sioux Empire Red Cross are ready to help victims of the devastating California wildfires. But before they could, they had to take care of some paperwork at the Sioux Falls office, first. That's just what they were doing Tuesday night.  Among the volunteers, Tessa Lovro from Sioux Falls. She says, "I know what I'm getting into.  I know there's a lot of smoke inhalation and that's a problem, but I know what I'm getting into."  Tessa has been deployed to several national disasters but says this is the first time she'll have to deal with wildfires.  She says the Red Cross has prepared them well for the scene in California.  They've stocked up on eye drops, and things to soothe their burning noses and throats.

In no time at all, the six volunteers are at the airport, ready to board a plane to California. It's all happened very fast. Jeff Stingley with the Sioux Empire Red Cross says, "They've had to leave in 24 hours notice.  That's all that was given." The volunteers will all have different jobs once they get to California.  For Tessa, it means getting food to fire victims. She says she's not nervous, just ready to serve. Tessa says, "One of the most rewarding things that you can do is to give back and help others."

Jeff Stingley says it's very likely that more local Red Cross volunteers will be deployed to California in the days ahead.  As for the workers who left Tuesday night, they'll probably be deployed for between two and three weeks.