California deploys rescue teams to Washington amid flooding
Search and rescue teams deploy with boats and support personnel
– California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of California fire and rescue resources to Washington state due to ongoing severe flooding, sending approximately 150 personnel to assist with emergency response efforts.
The deployment includes a swift water rescue team, three Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces, and one Incident Support Team. According to the governor’s office, the resources are being sent as Western Washington experiences historic, life-threatening flooding following back-to-back atmospheric river storms that dropped several inches of rain in a matter of days. The flooding has led to widespread evacuations, water rescues, and the closure of major highways and rail lines.
“In times of crisis, California doesn’t hesitate to support our neighbors. Deploying California’s Urban Search and Rescue teams reflects our shared commitment to protect lives, strengthen regional resilience, and stand with states that need our help,” Newsom said.
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is deploying two swift water rescue boats with six personnel from the Marin County Fire Department. In coordination with the federal emergency agency, the state office is also deploying three search and rescue task force teams and eight incident support personnel. State officials said the deployments have minimal impact on California’s emergency response capabilities.
“California is assisting Washington with expert emergency responders and resources in support of current flood efforts. Mutual aid is about neighbors helping neighbors and ensuring every community receives timely support when it matters most,” said state emergency services Director Nancy Ward.
Urban search and rescue teams are trained and equipped to conduct complex rescues during severe flood events, including locating and evacuating survivors from swift-moving water, flooded structures, and isolated areas. The teams provide specialized capabilities such as boat operations, high water rescue, and technical search support for local authorities during major disasters.
Incident support teams consist of specialists who assist local first responders with technical support, management, and coordination of search and rescue resources.
The personnel deployed to Washington come from five California fire departments: Los Angeles City Fire Department, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, Orange County Fire Department, Riverside City Fire Department, and San Diego City Fire Department.
California has previously deployed resources to assist with disasters at the state, national, and international levels. Earlier this year, California responders assisted in Alaska, Texas, New Mexico, Oregon, Jamaica, Arizona, and Puerto Rico. Past responses have also included Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, Katrina, Rita, and Ian, as well as the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
