Two Los Angeles County Fire Department canine teams will be part of a statewide Urban Search and Rescue team that will be deployed as part of the response to wildfires that have devastated parts of Maui, officials announced.
The teams are part of an effort approved by Gov. Gavin Newsom, which also includes units from Riverside, Alameda and Sacramento counties.
“LACoFD sends our sincere condolences and prayers to the families who have lost loved ones; to the wounded; and to all who have been displaced, have lost homes and businesses due to the wildfires that have devastated the beautiful island of Maui,” Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone said Saturday night. “We send our Maui Ohana force and support during this difficult time.”
At least 93 people have died in the fires that began Tuesday night, tore through the west end of Maui and ripped through the town of Lahaina, making it the deadliest US wildfire in more than a century, according to reports. federal authorities.
Nearly 300 homes and other structures, some of them monuments, have been destroyed, officials in Hawaii said.
US Army National Guard and Coast Guard troops were in charge of rescue and relief operations on the island.
Dozens of people have died and are missing as fire continues to rage through hundreds of structures on the island of Maui, Hawaii.
Newsom announced Thursday that California would deploy urban search and rescue resources and teams to assist in the response.
“California stands with the people of Maui and all Hawaiians in the midst of these horrific wildfires that have claimed lives and destroyed the historic town of Lahaina,” Newsom said. “Our state is sending resources to support our Pacific neighbors during their time of need.”
It was unclear how the California teams would be used.
Supervisor Janice Hahn joined in to offer condolences and support the deployment of local resources.
“Los Angeles County knows all too well the devastation and pain that Maui is experiencing right now,” Hahn said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Maui. I thank FEMA and California Governor Gavin Newsom for deploying USAR teams, including our LACoFD … canine teams, to assist in recovery efforts.”
