CATF-4 is one of 28 FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Teams in the United States.
The team has a wide variety of responsibilities which include reconnaissance, search, and rescue of victims due to earthquakes, hurricanes, and terrorist events. Urban Search and Rescue involves the location, rescue (extrication), and initial medical stabilization of victims trapped in confined spaces.
12/24/2025
After a 12-day deployment, is home safe from Washington State. Led by Battalion Chief Jamie Bowron, crews were able to deploy and make a difference by assisting the communities.
Thank you to all the departments participating in CA Task Force 4 for their tireless work to support the communities impacted by this extreme weather event in WA. 🇺🇸
12/19/2025
FEMA remains embedded with the state to support tribes and communities as we move from initial response into damage assessments.
FEMA thanks the federal teams involved in coordinating response efforts. We also want to share deep appreciation to the state and local partners, first responders, neighbors and communities who showed up for one another across Washington.
s.forestservice
12/18/2025
Good morning — Update from CA-TF4🇺🇸
Day 9 of our deployment to Washington State. CA-TF4 is currently operating in Kent County, supporting local government agencies in areas impacted by severe flooding.
Our teams have conducted multiple assignments involving hasty and primary searches in residential neighborhoods affected by levee breaches and flash flooding.
Over 40 members are deployed as part of this mission and continue to work around the clock alongside local and federal partners to support ongoing rescue and response operations.
Proud of the teamwork and commitment displayed by everyone involved. Stay tuned for more updates.
09/27/2025
Members training on high angle rope operations.
09/23/2025
The Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department hosted this month’s training exercise, which simulated a building collapse with a radiological component.
Crews practiced accessing the structure through the second floor, since the first floor was deemed inaccessible, and then shored their way to the elevator shaft to locate and extract the victim from the basement. Hazmat teams conducted atmospheric and radiological monitoring, along with radioisotope identification. We appreciated the assistance from Department of Energy Radiological Assistance Program Team 7 for their assistance.
03/20/2025
From Chief Bowron;
As many of you know CATF-4 and the Fremont Fire Department tragically lost one of our own Anthony Ganzler. Firefighter Ganzler died at home on the morning of Monday, March 17th, 2025. Anthony was a rescue specialist and was just in the warehouse on the first week of readiness. He was motivated, vibrant and ready to help in anyway to get out team back to a deployable status. He was a loving husband to Erin, a devoted father to Savannah and Abigail. He will be missed by his Fremont Fire and US&R families. Rest in peace brother.
01/18/2025
01/11/2024
In 2023 the Town of Mammoth Lakes experienced a multi-week Winter Storm Emergency with building failures, propane leaks, structure fires, and building explosions culminating with 600” of snow. Local assets were overwhelmed, and mutual aid was requested.
Task Force 4 structure specialists Tom Niedernhofer and David Ojala were deployed where they provided guidance and expertise to local assets in shoring damaged buildings and structural assessments. We are proud of the service they provided our fellow Californians in their time of need.