SACRAMENTO - As Tropical Storm Beryl makes its way toward Southern Texas, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of California firefighters to assist in staffing a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Incident Support Team which will provide assistance for two FEMA Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Teams. 

In close coordination with FEMA, the Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is immediately deploying nine firefighters from California’s Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Forces’ Incident Support Team. The deployment has no impact on California’s emergency response and firefighting capabilities. 

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 provides a group of highly qualified specialists to provide local officials with technical assistance, management and coordination of US&R resources.

“Even with statewide operations at home related to fire and extreme heat, California stands ready to answer the call for aid by our fellow Americans when needed,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward.

The specialized team members deployed to Texas come from California US&R Task Forces, including local government fire and rescue personnel from Menlo Park and Riverside fire departments.

This deployment builds on California’s continued efforts to aid other states during emergencies. Just last month, Governor Newsom sent 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. In 2022, California deployed firefighters, disaster recovery experts and other personnel to Oregon, New Mexico and Montana.