Golden State Today

SACRAMENTO – As Tropical Storm Beryl approaches Southern Texas, Governor Gavin Newsom announced today the deployment of California firefighters to support a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Incident Support Team. This team will assist two FEMA Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Teams.

In coordination with FEMA, the Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is deploying nine firefighters from California’s Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Forces’ Incident Support Team. This deployment does not affect California’s emergency response and firefighting capabilities.

"In times of crisis, California stands ready to help. We’re deploying emergency responders to support Texans as they prepare against this dangerous hurricane," stated Governor Gavin Newsom.

The Incident Support Team consists of highly qualified specialists who provide local officials with technical assistance, management, and coordination of US&R resources. "Even with statewide operations at home related to fire and extreme heat, California stands ready to answer the call for aid by our fellow Americans when needed," said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward.

The specialized team members deployed to Texas are from California US&R Task Forces, including local government fire and rescue personnel from Menlo Park and Riverside fire departments.

This deployment is part of California's ongoing efforts to assist other states during emergencies. Last month, Governor Newsom sent fire and rescue personnel to New Mexico for the South Fore and Salt Fires. In previous years, California has deployed Urban Search and Rescue members to Hawaii for wildfire response, as well as firefighters and disaster recovery experts to Oregon, New Mexico, and Montana in 2022.

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