In the wake of Hurricane Milton’s destructive path through Florida, a contingent of California emergency responders, including Orange County firefighters, have been dispatched to assist in the relief efforts. Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Wednesday that 70 California-based firefighters would join the search-and-rescue operations, following the deployment of 144 California search-and-rescue personnel earlier this week before the storm made landfall.
The Orange County Fire Authority has sent 33 members of their specialized Type 1 team, trained to handle structural collapses and swift-water flood environments. This marks the first time an Orange County Type 1 team has been deployed in 16 years. “All of our personnel in Orange County Fire and the agencies that we work with will be laser-focused on life safety and making sure that we can get into the areas that have access challenges,” said OCFA Division Chief Kevin Fetterman. “The positive impact that they will have on the people that they’re able to rescue and help move to the recovery perspective in Florida will be tremendous.”
Adding to the support, a Los Angeles Fire Department team has also been deployed to assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As of Thursday, California has sent a total of 354 specialized personnel to Florida to aid in the recovery process.
Hurricane Milton, which barreled into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday after its destructive journey across Florida, left behind a trail of devastation. The storm knocked out power for over 3 million customers, whipped up 150 tornadoes, and claimed at least four lives. It compounded the misery brought by Hurricane Helene, although it spared Tampa a direct hit.
Milton made landfall late Wednesday as a Category 3 storm in Siesta Key, approximately 70 miles south of Tampa. The storm surge that was feared for Tampa did not materialize, however, the storm dumped up to 18 inches of rain in some areas, according to Governor Ron DeSantis. The worst storm surge was reported in Sarasota County, reaching 8 to 10 feet, lower than the peak surge experienced during Hurricane Helene.
“We will better understand the extent of the damage as the day progresses,” DeSantis said. “We’ve got more to do, but we will absolutely get through this.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
