LOS ANGELES, CA – On Saturday, August 12, 2023, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) activated the County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LACoFD’s) California Task Force 2 (CA-TF2) urban search and rescue (USAR) canine teams for deployment to Maui in the aftermath of the wildfires that impacted the island earlier this week.

Captain Celina Serrano and K9 Prentiss, Fire Firefighter Paramedic Edward Ruiz and K9 Harper, along with Fire Fighter Paramedic Nicholas Bartel and K9 Six, are preparing for a scheduled departure from LAX United Terminal 7 tomorrow morning, August 13, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., to lend their assistance in the ongoing recovery efforts in Maui.

Members of the media will have an opportunity to capture B-roll footage and photos of the canine teams at 8:45 a.m. as they arrive at LAX, check in, and clear TSA PreCheck® in preparation for their deployment.  If time allows, team members may briefly speak with media outlets.

“The County of Los Angeles knows all too well the devastation and pain Maui is experiencing right now,” said Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn.  “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Maui.  I am grateful to FEMA and California Governor Gavin Newsom for deploying USAR teams, including our LACoFD CA-TF2 USAR canine teams to assist in the recovery efforts.”

 “The LACoFD sends our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families who have lost loved ones; to the injured; and to all who have been displaced, lost homes, and businesses due to the wildfires that have ravaged the beautiful island of Maui, said Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone.  “We send our Maui ohana strength and our support during this difficult time.”

For additional information regarding the deployment, please contact Fire Captain Sheila Kelliher, Public Information Office, at (213) 200-2477.