Search and rescue crews from California sent to Texas to help with flooding impacts

(FOX40.COM) — California has sent more search and rescue crews to Texas to help with the ongoing response efforts related to flooding impacts.
• Video above: Search continues for missing people in Texas

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on July 17 that 42 California US&R members are in Kerr, Texas, supporting the mission. The Oakland Fire Department and the Sacramento Fire Department are deploying Human Remains Detection teams, which include canines and their handlers.

Newsom stated that Los Angeles County, Menlo Park, Orange County, and Riverside County all have team members on the ground in Texas aiding in the search.

“We help our fellow Americans in times of need. California is proud to assist in the ongoing response to the devastating Texas floods,” Newsom said.

California personnel deployed use highly developed and specialised skills to assist emergency operations in and around the hardest parts of the flooding. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is working in close coordination with Texas through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

“This is a very difficult task. I appreciate the hard work being done by our crews under very difficult conditions,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “Cal OES is proud to help those in need in Texas.”  

Newsom said that this deployment does not impact California’s emergency response and firefighting capabilities.