California deploys help to Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton

(FOX40.COM) — With Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall in Florida as a Category 5 hurricane, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California will deploy emergency responders.

According to the California Office of Emergency Services , 144 firefighters and ground support personnel from three California Urban Search and Rescue Task Force teams are being sent to assist with incident management, emergency operations, and search and rescue efforts. This is in addition to the resources sent for Hurricane Helene.

“California stands with all those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods in the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene,” Governor Gavin Newsom said in a press release. “As Hurricane Milton approaches landfall, California is sending additional specialized resources to support critical emergency response and recovery efforts.”

Four firefighters from the Sacramento Fire Department are en route. Additionally, members of the Los Angeles City Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Menlo Park Fire Protection District have been sent to support the Hurricane Milton response. They will be in Georgia over the next few days before being dispatched, according to CAL OES.

“Cal OES is proud to deploy highly-skilled teams to be ready to help those in need as Hurricane Milton heads toward the U.S.,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward in a press release. “These search and rescue professionals have the training needed to navigate extreme environments and assist in the effort to preserve life and property.”

The deployment reportedly has no impact on California’s emergency response and firefighting capabilities.

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