CA state capitol building.

California teams use specialized skills to assist emergency operations in areas hardest hit by the flooding

– Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday announced the deployment of three additional Urban Search and Rescue Team members to Texas to assist with response efforts related to severe flooding. A total of 42 California Urban Search and Rescue members are now in Kerr, Texas, supporting the mission.

The deployment includes Human Remains Detection teams, which consist of canines and their handlers. The most recent team members were sent from the Oakland Fire Department and Sacramento Fire Department. Personnel from Los Angeles County, Menlo Park, Orange County and Riverside County are also on the ground in Texas.

California teams are using specialized skills to assist emergency operations in areas hardest hit by the flooding. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating the deployment with Texas officials through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

“We help our fellow Americans in times of need. California is proud to assist in the ongoing response to the devastating Texas floods,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

California canine teams have been approved to extend their work assignments from 14 to 21 days. To prevent overworking the dogs, a rotation schedule is in place where the canines work two consecutive days in the field, followed by a rest day at the base of operations.

“This is a very difficult task. I appreciate the hard work being done by our crews under very difficult conditions,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “Cal OES is proud to help those in need in Texas.”

This deployment continues California’s record of supporting other states during emergencies. In 2023, California sent Urban Search and Rescue members to Hawaii to assist with wildfire response. In 2022, the state deployed firefighters, disaster recovery experts and other personnel to Montana, New Mexico and Oregon. In 2021, California sent fire engines to Oregon during the Bootleg Fire and specialized Urban Search and Rescue teams to Florida after the Surfside condo collapse.

According to the state, the deployment does not affect California’s emergency response and firefighting capabilities.