California is stepping up to help Washington state as dangerous and historic flooding forces tens of thousands of people to evacuate. After a series of powerful atmospheric river storms drenched the region, Gov. Gavin Newsom has deployed more than 100 highly trained first responders to assist with rescue operations.
Massive Flooding Prompts Emergency Response
Floodwaters have surrounded homes, shut down major highways, and triggered widespread emergency rescues in western Washington. The situation intensified after back-to-back storms dumped extreme amounts of rain across the state.
One striking image shows a home completely surrounded by rising water near Twin Rivers Snohomish County Park in Arlington, highlighting how fast conditions have worsened.
California Deploys Over 150 Personnel
Gov. Newsom confirmed that approximately 150 responders — including three specialized urban search and rescue teams — are being sent to help Washington’s overwhelmed emergency services.
“In times of crisis, California doesn’t hesitate to support our neighbors,” Newsom said. “Deploying our Urban Search and Rescue teams shows our shared commitment to protecting lives, strengthening resilience and standing with other states when help is needed.”
What California Is Sending
- Two swift-water rescue boats
- Six trained rescue specialists from the Marin County Fire Department
- An incident support team
- Three full urban search and rescue crews
Fire Agencies Providing Support
The deployed teams include personnel from five major California fire departments:
- Los Angeles City Fire Department
- Menlo Park Fire Department
- Orange County Fire Authority
- Riverside City Fire Department
- San Diego City Fire-Rescue Department
Together, these teams bring expertise in water rescues, structural collapse response, and rapid emergency recovery — skills urgently needed as Washington faces one of its worst flood emergencies in decades.
Conclusion
As Washington state battles life-threatening floods, California’s rapid deployment of skilled rescue teams shows the power of interstate cooperation during extreme weather disasters. With entire communities underwater and more storms expected, the added support will play a critical role in protecting lives and aiding emergency efforts across the region.
