California deploys additional Urban Search and Rescue resources to support Hurricane Helene response
SACRAMENTO – As Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane overnight, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of California Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) members to the area impacted by the hurricane.
In close coordination with FEMA, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is immediately deploying 151 firefighters and support personnel from California/FEMA US&R Task Force 5, 6, and 8 from the Orange County Fire Authority, Riverside Fire Department, and San Diego Fire Department. The deployment also includes California Swiftwater Task Force 1 from the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The deployment has no impact on California’s emergency response and firefighting capabilities.
With the extensive damage and destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, California is sending these additional specialized resources to help in these important response and recovery efforts. We’re glad to extend a helping hand to all those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Governor Gavin Newsom
These highly specialized personnel will assist in the search and rescue efforts, incident management and emergency operations in and around the hardest hit areas of the state. They are trained in structural collapse and swift water/flood environments.
“These highly trained individuals perform search and rescue operations in the most challenging conditions—whether it’s collapsed structures, flooded areas, or dangerous debris,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “Their ability to swiftly locate survivors, provide medical care, and navigate extreme environments makes a world of difference in saving lives when every second counts.”
Governor Newsom earlier this week deployed California aid to Florida. As well as aid to Texas in July, and Georgia in August. In the past two years, California has also deployed firefighters to New Mexico, Hawaii, Oregon and Montana.