Los Angeles County Fire Department urban search and rescue team, led by Captain Russell Petit, arrived back in Los Angeles on August 20, 2026 after completing a one‑week deployment in Colombia. The team had been dispatched to assist rescue operations following the 7.4‑magnitude earthquake that struck the South American nation on August 10, 2026.
The Colombian quake caused roughly 300 fatalities and left more than 400 individuals unaccounted for, prompting an international response that included the Los Angeles County unit. During their stay, the team worked alongside local authorities and other foreign responders to locate survivors, clear debris, and provide emergency medical care.
Captain Petit oversaw the deployment, which involved specialized equipment and trained personnel capable of operating in collapsed structures and unstable environments. The Los Angeles County Fire Department’s urban search and rescue division is equipped to conduct technical rescues, structural assessments, and coordinated evacuations, skills that were applied throughout the mission.
The mission concluded after seven days, and the unit returned to its home station in Los Angeles. Their departure coincided with the ongoing efforts of other international teams still engaged in the search for the missing. The Los Angeles County Fire Department has not released specific numbers regarding the team’s accomplishments during the deployment, but the presence of the unit contributed to the broader multinational rescue effort.
The earthquake’s impact on Colombia continues to be assessed, with authorities monitoring the status of the missing and the extent of infrastructure damage. The involvement of the Los Angeles County fire rescue team reflects the city’s commitment to providing assistance in global disaster situations.