At FEMA’s request, California deploys firefighters to Kentucky ahead of severe storms

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency due to severe storms forecasted to generate heavy rain and damaging winds that can potentially lead to tornadoes, hail, and flooding.

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

“California understands the threat extreme weather poses and stands with Kentucky ahead of the storms set to impact their state. These deployed resources will provide additional support to first responders across Kentucky to prepare and respond to storms.”

“As Kentucky prepares for a series of dangerous storms, we’re proud to send California-based firefighters with expertise in responding to this type of weather,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “Their experience will help bolster response efforts.”

The specialized team members deployed to Kentucky come from California US&R Task Forces 4, 5 and 8 from Oakland, Orange County and San Diego.

This deployment builds on California’s continued efforts to aid other state during emergencies. In February, California deployed resources to Kentucky in response to extreme flooding. Last year, Governor Newsom deployed a similar Incident Support Team to Florida to bolster response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.