Golden State Today

California has taken proactive measures by deploying Urban Search and Rescue Task Force teams in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, which is projected to hit Florida as a Category 5 hurricane. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of 144 firefighters and ground support personnel from three California Urban Search and Rescue Task Force teams. These teams will assist with incident management, emergency operations, and search and rescue efforts.

This assistance comes in addition to resources previously sent for Hurricane Helene. The prior deployment included 140 firefighters and support personnel from California/FEMA US&R Task Forces 5 and 6, hailing from the Orange County Fire Authority and Riverside Fire Department, along with California Swiftwater Task Force 1 from the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The current deployment involves close coordination with FEMA. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is sending Task Force members from the Los Angeles City Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Menlo Park Fire Protection District. These specialized personnel are trained for structural collapse and swift water/flood environments. They are expected to arrive in Georgia shortly before being dispatched further.

Governor Newsom assured that this deployment does not affect California's own emergency response capabilities. He stated, “California stands with all those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods in the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene. As Hurricane Milton approaches landfall, California is sending additional specialized resources to support critical emergency response and recovery efforts.”

Nancy Ward, Cal OES Director, emphasized the readiness of these skilled teams: “Cal OES is proud to deploy highly-skilled teams to be ready to help those in need as Hurricane Milton heads toward the U.S. These search and rescue professionals have the training needed to navigate extreme environments and assist in the effort to preserve life and property.”

In recent months, Governor Newsom has directed aid not only for hurricanes but also tropical storms impacting various states including Texas, Georgia, New Mexico, Hawaii, Oregon, and Montana.