« Long Beach Police & Fire 911 Memorial Service | Home | Long beach City Hall “Simulated” Anthrax Incident Evacuation Drill »

LBFD Swiftwater Rescue California Task Force 12 Deployment to Louisana

By frhayes | September 3, 2008

On Sunday, August 31, 2008 the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) received an emergency request from the State of California, Office of Emergency Services (OES) asking us to respond our SwiftWater Rescue Task Force to the State of Louisiana, in response to anticipated damages, and possible rescues required due to Hurricane Gustav, and subsequent Hurricanes. On Monday, September 1^st at 3:00 A.M. the LBFD swift water rescue task force, known as California Task Force 11, consisting of 14 members (7 Firefighters and 7 Lifeguards), who are specially equipped and trained for swiftwater rescues, and technical search operations departed the city en route to Louisiana.

The California Office of Emergency Services sent eight swift water rescue teams to the areas possibly affected by the hurricanes. The LBFD swift water rescue team met teams from Sacramento City, Sacramento Metro, and Ventura in the City of Blythe where they traveled together to meet the other teams in the City of Baton Rouge at the State Police Training Center. This deployment is being completely funded through the State of Louisiana, and staffing levels as well as swiftwater rescue members and equipment are still present and able to respond to any incidents within the city.

In New Orleans, which was largely spared by a disorganized, and weakened Hurricane Gustav which came on shore about 72 miles southwest of the City on Monday morning, and an improved levee system. Mayor Ray Nagin has advised evacuees that they would have to wait a few days before they returned to their homes. Even though conditions appear to be stable at this time, memories of Katrina have placed officials in a cautious, proactive condition.

Due to the passing of Hurricane Gustav causing minor issues, on Tuesday, September 2^nd most of the swiftwater rescue and Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams had been canceled or demobilized. However the LBFD swift water rescue team this morning, September 3, 2008 was deployed 80 miles North of Baton Rouge in anticipation of bad weather from the hurricanes just off the Atlantic coast line. Reports from the team indicate that they will be assigned as a “stand by” swift water rescue team if weather conditions deteriorate, and possible search and rescue operations if significant damage to structures occurs. Conference briefings continue to occur on a daily basis and as additional information, and developments occur, details will be disseminated.

Tweet This Post