Riverside County search and rescue personnel will be joining other teams statewide in deploying to the Hawaiian Islands as part of the disaster response to the devastating wildfires in Maui, officials announced on Thursday.
Governor Gavin Newsom has mobilized members of Urban Search & Rescue units from Riverside, Oakland, and Sacramento counties.
“California stands with the people of Maui and all Hawaiians during these horrific wildfires that have caused loss of life and destruction in the historic town of Lahaina,” said Newsom. “Our state is sending resources to support our Pacific neighbors in their time of need.”
Published reports confirm that the fires, which started on Tuesday night, have resulted in three dozen fatalities and the destruction of nearly 300 homes and landmarks in the west end of Maui.
A Red Flag Warning was in effect for Maui due to a ridge of high pressure and the impact of Hurricane Dora, which was approximately 1,000 miles to the south and moving northwest with winds gusting up to 70 mph.
Forecasters report that the category 3 storm was weakening on Thursday and the high pressure system was also losing strength.
The U.S. Coast Guard and Army National Guard troops were conducting rescue and relief operations on the island, but it is unclear how the Urban Search & Rescue team from California will be utilized.
Riverside County’s Task Force 6 has been deployed to various disasters over the years, including the World Trade Center after the 9/11 attacks, Snohomish County in Washington after a major mudslide, and Houston and San Juan to assist with hurricane relief efforts.
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