A Colorado search-and-rescue team — Task Force One — has been activated to respond to Hurricane Gustav, which strengthened from a tropical storm today with a forecast path of the Gulf Coast.
The 80-member team is mobilizing in Lakewood this afternoon and expected to depart at about 4 p.m.
The primary mission of the task force, one of 28 nationwide under the Department of Homeland Security, is urban search-and-rescue operations after local, state and national disasters.
West Metro Fire is the task force’s sponsoring agency. West Metro spokeswoman Cindy Matthews said the task force responded to the World Trade Center tragedy as well as flooding in Fort Collins.
Personnel are trained in safety, search, rescue, planning, hazardous materials/weapons of mass destruction, logistics and medical services.
Within a six-hour window, the task force must deploy, Matthews said, and be prepared to work up to 10 days.
The task force is designed to respond to a disaster area without impacting local resources by being able to support itself for up to 72 hours.
The organization started in Colorado in 1992. Participating members are Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, Longmont and Fort Carson fire departments; the South Metro and Cunningham fire-protection districts; and the Poudre Fire Authority.
CO-TF1 has more than 80,000 pounds of equipment, including high-tech search-and-rescue gear and logistical-support items.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides funding for equipment, training, equipment storage and management staff.
Ann Schrader: 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com
