Governor Newsom expands emergency deployments to aid states hit by floods and wildfires, highlighting interstate cooperation.
By Redacción
Redaccion@latinocc.com
Governor Gavin Newsom announced Monday that California is deploying additional emergency resources to support Texas, Oregon, and New Mexico, following recent disasters including deadly flooding and fast-moving wildfires.
The state is sending Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams, firefighter strike teams, and specialized emergency coordination personnel, underscoring California’s commitment to mutual aid during crisis situations.
“California stands ready to help all Americans in times of crisis. Whether it’s battling wildfires or conducting life-saving rescue operations, our highly trained first responders are answering the call,” Newsom said in a statement.
In Texas, California has deployed nine FEMA Incident Support Team members, along with equipment and supplies. These professionals bring advanced planning and coordination skills to support local and federal agencies responding to severe flooding. Additionally, a second wave of 18 search and recovery personnel with canine units from California local agencies has been mobilized to reinforce response efforts.
In Oregon, a CAL FIRE strike team consisting of five fire engines and 19 firefighters has been dispatched to assist with wildfire containment efforts. An additional 28 support personnel have also been sent to bolster local operations as fires threaten communities and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, in Ruidoso, New Mexico, three FEMA specialists assigned to California have been deployed to support flood response and recovery efforts in a region struggling with extensive water damage.
Nancy Ward, Director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), emphasized that California’s emergency system is built on mutual aid and cooperation. “Our highly trained teams are always ready to deploy where they’re needed most, bringing critical resources and expertise to protect lives and support communities in crisis,” she said.
Anale Burlew, Chief Deputy Director of CAL FIRE, echoed that commitment, noting the importance of reciprocal aid among states.
“We stand with Oregon during this critical time, just as they’ve stood with us during some of California’s toughest fire seasons. These mutual aid partnerships are built on trust, coordination, and a shared commitment to public safety,” Burlew said.
Governor Newsom also stressed that despite the out-of-state deployments, California is maintaining adequate emergency readiness at home, particularly as the state enters a high-risk wildfire season. “We’re committed to helping others while keeping our communities safe,” he added.
This latest deployment builds on California’s extensive record of emergency aid. In 2023, the state sent Urban Search and Rescue teams to Hawaii in response to devastating wildfires. In 2022, California deployed personnel to Montana, New Mexico, and Oregon. In 2021, fire engines were sent to Oregon to assist with the Bootleg Fire, and specialized USAR teams supported Florida’s response to the Surfside condo collapse.
State officials say this continued cooperation strengthens national resilience in the face of increasingly frequent and intense natural disasters.
