As Tropical Storm Beryl moves toward Southern Texas, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the deployment of California firefighters to support a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Incident Support Team. This team will assist in staffing two FEMA Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Teams.
In close collaboration with FEMA, the Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is promptly sending nine firefighters from California’s Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Forces’ Incident Support Team. This deployment ensures that California maintains its emergency response and firefighting capabilities without interruption.
In times of crisis, California stands ready to help. We’re deploying emergency responders to support Texans as they prepare against this dangerous hurricane.
Governor Gavin Newsom
The Incident Support Team comprises highly skilled specialists who will provide technical assistance, manage operations, and coordinate US&R resources for local officials.
“Despite ongoing statewide operations related to wildfires and extreme heat, California remains prepared to assist our fellow Americans in times of need,” stated Cal OES Director Nancy Ward.
The specialized team members deployed to Texas hail from California US&R Task Forces, including fire and rescue personnel from Menlo Park and Riverside fire departments.
This deployment underscores California’s ongoing commitment to aiding other states during emergencies. Recently, Governor Newsom dispatched fire and rescue personnel to New Mexico to assist with the South Fore and Salt Fires. Last year, California deployed Urban Search and Rescue members to Hawaii to support wildfire response efforts. In 2022, California also deployed firefighters, disaster recovery experts, and other personnel to Oregon, New Mexico, and Montana.