Fire Headlines Podcast Icon - Culture

Hurricane Response Efforts by WFCA Member Departments

October 23, 2024

25

In this week's episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Ken Kehmna and Chief Kim Zagaris (also known as Chief Z), WFCA Senior Operations Advisor. They delve into the vital contributions of Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) member departments to hurricane response efforts, particularly in light of the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, which has claimed nearly 300 lives.

Listen On:

Podcasts_(iOS).svg

Apple Podcast

free-youtube-logo-icon-2431-thumb

YouTube

Spotify_App_Logo.svg

Spotify Podcast

Generic_Feed-icon.svg

RSS Feed

Listen to the contributions of WFCA member fire departments during the most recent hurricane response efforts in this episode of WFCA’s Fire Headlines Podcast.

In this week’s episode of Fire Headlines, host Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Ken Kehmna and Chief Kim Zagaris (also known as Chief Z), WFCA Senior Operations Advisor. They delve into the vital contributions of Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) member departments to hurricane response efforts, particularly in light of the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, which has claimed nearly 300 lives.

Chief Zagaris provides a detailed overview of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams that have been deployed to assist with hurricane recovery. These teams, managed in conjunction with FEMA, include members from fire agencies across several states, such as California, Utah, Nevada, and Washington. Departments like Los Angeles City and County Fire, Orange County Fire Authority, and others, contribute highly trained personnel and specialized equipment for search and rescue operations, particularly in challenging conditions such as swift water environments and structural collapses.

The Structure and Capabilities of USAR Teams

The episode highlights the multi-agency collaboration that often forms these response teams. Some of the larger departments, like LA City and LA County, can operate independently, while others, such as Riverside and Sacramento, combine resources from multiple agencies. These teams can be deployed in various configurations, from full Type 1 teams designed for major structural collapses to smaller, more flexible Type 3 teams.

Chief Zagaris explains that these teams possess a wide range of capabilities, including high-tech equipment for structural collapse rescue, cameras, and acoustic devices, as well as canine units, which remain among the most effective tools for locating survivors. The teams also include medical components, with doctors and veterinarians on hand to care for both the human and canine members of the team. Hazmat and swift water rescue capabilities are critical, especially in hurricane responses, where hazardous conditions like raw sewage pose additional risks.

Historical Perspective on USAR Deployment

Chief Zagaris shares a historical perspective on the development of the USAR program, dating back to the Oklahoma City bombing, where these teams were first deployed. He reflects on how the program has evolved in terms of both capabilities and sophistication, with contributions from influential figures like Mark Gauducci, Ray Downing, and others who helped establish the program nationally.

Challenges in Resource Deployment

The conversation turns to the complexities of deploying resources across state lines and the improvements in national coordination. The ability to move resources quickly and efficiently has become more sophisticated over time, thanks in part to systems like FEMA’s task force program and EMAC (Emergency Management Assistance Compact). However, there are still challenges. For instance, Chief Zagaris mentions a recent incident where members of the San Diego team were injured in a traffic accident enroute to Hurricane Helene, raising questions about the balance between ground transport and airlifting personnel.

Looking Ahead: Prepositioning and Future Improvements

As the episode wraps up, the discussion shifts to prepositioning resources before a disaster strikes. California, for instance, has developed a prepositioning program that allows for rapid deployment of both wildland and storm-related response teams. Chief Zagaris points out that while California has a robust system in place, there is still room for improvement, especially in securing additional funding for prepositioning local government resources. The possibility of prepositioning FEMA task forces is also discussed, though the high cost of mobilizing these teams means it must be done judiciously.

You can email Fire Headlines at [email protected].

Sign up for the Daily Dispatch to get the FREE daily newsletter of articles like these in your area, as well as industry developments and trends, at www.dailydispatch.com.

Fire Headlines Podcast Icon - Medical

Ep.76:

Addressing the EMS Shortage Through Education and Community Engagement

Fire Headlines Podcast Icon - Culture

Ep.75:

Hurricane Response Efforts by WFCA Member Departments

Fire Headlines Podcast Icon - Health

Ep.74:

Energy Drink Consumption in the Fire Service

Ep.73:

The Five Stages of Analytics Adoption

Fire Headlines Podcast Icon - Community

Ep.72:

Strategic Communication in the Digital Age

Ep.71:

Civil Unrest Preparedness

Scroll to Top