California is sending additional resources to aid New Mexico, Oregon, and Texas in their disaster response efforts. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of Urban Search and Rescue teams, firefighter strike teams, and specialized incident support personnel to assist with challenges such as flooding in Texas and New Mexico, as well as wildfires in Oregon.
Governor Newsom stated, “California stands ready to help all Americans in times of crisis. Whether it’s battling wildfires or conducting life-saving search and rescue operations, our state’s highly trained first responders are answering the call to serve communities in need.”
The deployments include nine FEMA Incident Support Team personnel sent to Texas along with equipment and supplies for managing severe flooding impacts. An additional 18 personnel from California local agencies have been mobilized for canine search and recovery efforts.
In Oregon, a CAL FIRE strike team comprising five engines and 19 personnel has been dispatched alongside 28 overhead staff to help contain dangerous wildfires. Meanwhile, three more FEMA Incident Support personnel have been deployed to Ruidoso, New Mexico, for flood response operations.
Nancy Ward, Director of Cal OES said: “California’s emergency management system is built on mutual aid and the spirit of helping our neighbors. Our highly trained teams stand ready to deploy wherever they’re needed.”
Anale Burlew from CAL FIRE added: “We stand with Oregon during this critical time… These mutual aid partnerships are built on trust, coordination, and a shared commitment to public safety.”
Despite these deployments out-of-state, Governor Newsom assured that resources remain available within California for its own emergencies like heightened wildfire risks during summer.
This move continues California’s history of aiding other states during emergencies over recent years including responses in Hawaii (2023), Montana (2022), Florida (2021), among others.
