The Office of the Governor of the State of California
04/03/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/03/2025 15:23
At FEMA’s request, California deploys firefighters to Kentucky ahead of severe storms
Apr 3, 2025
At FEMA's request, California deploys firefighters to Kentucky ahead of severe storms
SACRAMENTO - Ahead of a series of severe storms set to impact Kentucky, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of California firefighters to assist in staffing a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Incident Support Team, following FEMA's request for support.
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."
Governor Gavin Newsom
The Incident Support Team provides a group of highly qualified specialists to support local first responders with technical assistance, management and coordination of US&R resources.
"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.
Recent news
What they're saying: California's 25 key deliverables for 2025 to protect communities from wildfire
Apr 3, 2025
News What you need to know: The Governor's Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force released a list of 25 key deliverables to build on the state's ongoing efforts to protect Californians from increasing threats posed by catastrophic wildfire and a changing climate....
One year after launch, state's enhanced enforcement in Oakland recovers 3,217 stolen vehicles, arrests 1,823 suspects
Apr 3, 2025
News What you need to know: Since March 2024, Governor Newsom's joint Bay Area operation efforts have yielded 3,217 stolen vehicles recovered, 1,823 suspects arrested, and 170 illicit firearms seized. Sacramento, California - Continuing to provide collaborative public...
Governor Newsom signs legislation 4.2.25
Apr 2, 2025
News SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bill:SB 26 by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) - Civil actions: restitution for or replacement of a new motor vehicle. A signing message can be found here.For full text of the...