Marin Rescuers Search For Survivors In Montecito Mudslides

MARIN COUNTY, CA – Rescuers from Marin County arrived in Santa Barbara County Thursday to help search for survivors in the deadly mudslides that struck neighborhoods in Montecito. As of Thursday morning, 17 people have died, eight others remained missing and more were still trapped by mud and debris.

The 30-member team from Marin is part of Regional Task Force 1, an urban search-and-rescue team overseen by the California Office of Emergency Services. The eight-vehicle task force includes heavy equipment operators, structural engineering specialists and two canine units.

"It's events like this that demonstrate the need to have a regional task force," said Marin County Fire Chief Jason Weber. "Many of the firefighters responding on this task force were just down there several weeks ago fighting the Thomas Fire, so they are familiar with the territory and should be of great use to the local authorities. This is a good opportunity for this crew to exercise its skills and provide mutual aid to partner county in need."

Regional Task Force 1, the only Cal OES task force north of Fresno, has personnel from Marin County Fire, Novato Fire District, Southern Marin Fire District, Mill Valley Fire Department, Windsor Fire District, Kentfield Fire District and Marin County Department of Public Works.

Regional Task Force 1 was formed in 1995 and trains regularly. Engler said the team is prepared to stay in Montecito for 21 days.

Photos via County of Marin