PADUCAH, KENTUCKY – APRIL 3: Structural damage is visible at Christ Community Church after a tornado struck on April 3, 2025, in Paducah, Kentucky. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issued a state of emergency ahead of the storms that are expected to cause flash flooding and tornadoes across Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Swensen/Getty Images)
As the state of Kentucky braces for severe storms with damaging wind and hail, firefighters from California were deployed to the southeastern state to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said Thursday.
Four “specially trained” firefighters who can support urban search and rescue operations were sent as the governor’s office emphasized the deployment would not affect California’s own response to possible wildfires and other emergencies.
“California understands the threat extreme weather poses and stands with Kentucky ahead of the storms set to impact their state,” Newsom said in a statement. “These deployed resources will provide additional support to first responders across Kentucky to prepare and respond to storms.”
A state of emergency was declared in Kentucky as possible tornadoes, hail and flooding were forecasted.
Get top local stories in Southern California delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC LA's News Headlines newsletter.
The deployed team members are from the Oakland, Orange County and San Diego areas, the governor's office said.
