Golden State Today

Ahead of anticipated severe storms in Kentucky, California has sent firefighters to assist at the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment aimed at aiding the FEMA Incident Support Team.

Forecasts have prompted Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to declare a state of emergency. The severe weather system is expected to bring heavy rain, damaging winds, tornadoes, hail, and flooding to the region.

California's Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has coordinated the deployment of four firefighters from the state's Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Force Incident Support Team. Cal OES assures that this deployment will not affect California's emergency response capabilities.

“California understands the threat extreme weather poses and stands with Kentucky ahead of the storms set to impact their state. These deployed resources will provide additional support to first responders across Kentucky to prepare and respond to storms,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

The deployed Incident Support Team is comprised of specialists who will assist local responders with technical expertise and the management and coordination of resources.

“As Kentucky prepares for a series of dangerous storms, we’re proud to send California-based firefighters with expertise in responding to this type of weather,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “Their experience will help bolster response efforts.”

The firefighters come from California US&R Task Forces 4, 5, and 8, which are based in Oakland, Orange County, and San Diego. This operation is part of California's ongoing efforts to assist other states in emergencies. Earlier, California provided aid to Kentucky during extreme flooding in February and sent a similar Incident Support Team to Florida for Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year.