As Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of California Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) members to the affected area.
In coordination with FEMA, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is deploying 151 firefighters and support personnel from California/FEMA US&R Task Force 5, 6, and 8. These teams are 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.
Governor Newsom emphasized that this deployment will not impact 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,” he stated.
The deployed personnel are trained in structural collapse and swift water/flood environments. They will assist in search and rescue efforts, incident management, and emergency operations in the hardest-hit areas. Cal OES Director Nancy Ward highlighted their expertise: “These highly trained individuals perform search and rescue operations in the most challenging conditions—whether it’s collapsed structures, flooded areas, or dangerous debris. 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.”
Earlier this week, Governor Newsom also sent aid to Florida following another disaster. In recent months, aid was sent to Texas in July and Georgia in August. Over the past two years, California has deployed firefighters to New Mexico, Hawaii, Oregon, and Montana.
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