The U.S. Department of State has activated a support team from the County Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LACoFD) international Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, known as USA-2, to respond to the devastating 7.4 earthquake that hit Colombia on August 10, 2026. The ten-member USA-2 support team consists of seven Fire Department members and three Department of Public Works structural specialists. The team deployed to Colombia on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. from Los Angeles International Airport.
The USA-2 support team will assist with search and rescue coordination, conduct structural engineering assessments, and provide technical expertise to Colombian authorities.
“We thank the Department of State for entrusting our elite team with this mission during this time of great need for the people of Colombia,” said LACoFD Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone. “Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this devastating earthquake.”
The deployment is expected to continue until the team is demobilized by the U.S. Department of State. Daily communication will be maintained with the USA-2 support team members throughout their deployment.
