SACRAMENTO — California is deploying new swiftwater rescue vehicles, boats and specialized equipment to 13 local fire departments, the governor’s office announced Oct. 8.
The announcement said the upgrades will modernize all 13 Type 1 Swiftwater Rescue Teams and listed what each team will receive: new heavy‑duty four‑wheel‑drive tow vehicles capable of transporting rescue trailers; new rescue trailers; two motorized inflatable rescue boats for each team; updated personal protective equipment; and specialized swiftwater rescue tools and technology. The release said the changes are meant to help teams reach water emergencies and operate more safely in dangerous conditions.
The governor’s office said the teams are part of California’s Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System, which allows communities to call for additional personnel and equipment when an emergency exceeds local capacity. The release connected the equipment upgrades to recently opened improvements at the State Operations Center and to a new agreement with satellite company ICEYE that the release said will provide near‑real‑time flood imagery and imagery through clouds or darkness to help emergency managers identify impacted areas.
Federal forecasters, the release said, put the chance of a very strong El Niño this fall and winter at greater than 90% and gave a 75% chance it could reach historic strength. The release said that combination — a warmer eastern Pacific and a strengthening El Niño — can increase the odds of repeated heavy rain, flooding, landslides, debris flows, coastal waves and high‑tide flooding for California.
The release included practical advice for residents: sign up for local emergency alerts, know whether your home or workplace is in a flood‑prone area or downslope from recent wildfire burn scars, prepare an evacuation plan and emergency kit, and never drive through floodwater. The release said local conditions can change quickly during major storms and to follow instructions from local officials.
The governor’s office framed the equipment purchases as part of a larger state investment in disaster preparedness and contrasted that with the federal budget proposal to cut FEMA funding; the release said President ’s fiscal year 2027 budget would reduce preparedness grants and eliminate the Next Generation Warning System Grant Program. The release also noted California has deployed 3,482 personnel and 271 pieces of equipment since June to assist wildfire, flood and earthquake responses in other states and countries.
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