Governor Deploys Urban Search and Rescue Team to Hawaii to Support Wildfire Response

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom Aug. 10 deployed resources and urban search and rescue personnel to assist in response to the wildfires in Hawaii and the coordination and support of emergency operations in the most impacted areas.

In coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Gov. Newsom directed his Office of Emergency Services or Cal OES to deploy 11 members of California’s Urban Search and Rescue or US&R Task Forces to aid in the recovery operations and the search for survivors. In addition, state personnel from Cal OES specializing in urban search and rescue and mass fatality management have been deployed to Hawaii.

“California stands with the people of Maui and all Hawaiians amid these horrific wildfires that have claimed lives and destroyed the historic town of Lāhainā,” said Gov. Newsom. “Californians know firsthand the devastating toll of catastrophic wildfires fueled by climate change, capable of wiping out entire communities and centuries of irreplaceable history and heritage. Our state is sending resources to support our Pacific neighbors during their time of need.”

The Governor spoke with Hawaii Gov. Josh Green Aug. 9 to discuss support for the state as it responds to and recovers from the devastating wildfires.

The specialized team members deployed to Hawaii come from state-federal US&R Task Forces in California, including local government firefighting personnel from Oakland, Sacramento, and Riverside counties.