WEATHER

Utah Task Force One now in position for Hurricane Milton rescues

Oct 10, 2024, 10:33 AM | Updated: 10:34 am

VALDOSTA, GA — As Hurricane Milton ferociously hammers Florida after making landfall Wednesday night, it’s not the only thing descending upon the Sunshine State.

Utah’s Task Force One, fresh from helping in Hurricane Helene’s aftermath, is now taking on an intense new assignment, and they’re in position to be among the first teams responding to the Category 3 hurricane.

The team marched into Valdosta, Georgia Wednesday, just 20 minutes from the Florida state line to get ready.

“We are on the fringes of where the storm’s going to hit, and we would expect to move in typically right behind the storm after it makes landfall,” said special operations division chief Bryan Case, program manager for Utah Task Force One.

They also beefed up their battalion Wednesday from a crew of 45 to a team of 80. Case explained the additional task force members, who come from fire departments around Utah, flew into Atlanta before meeting up with them in Valdosta.

The original group is now on day 13 of their deployment, having spent the first assignment in northeast Tennessee combing through massive debris piles, rappelling off broken bridges toward mangled vehicles that plummeted into rivers, and sifting through factories and buildings obliterated by the hurricane.

That assignment was not meant to find survivors.

“That was a recovery. That was a slower pace,” Case said, of their methodical and detailed search approach.

Utah Task Force One searches a debris p ile in Tennessee. (Utah Task Force One)

Utah Task Force One’s response to Hurricane Milton is expected to be much different, with the team preparing for fast-paced frontline search and rescue of people who may be trapped.

“When we get into Florida, we’re going to be the first ones on the ground in many cases, in the areas that we’re working in,” Case said. “So it is going to be an intense group of people, with very little time for prep.”

In addition to 80 team members, Utah Task Force One is carrying an arsenal of 80,000 pounds of equipment. They came prepared with rescue boats and fleet vehicles.

“They may have us doing focused searches in areas where they know, perhaps where a lot of people were not able to evacuate or did not choose to evacuate,” Case explained, of what FEMA may assign to them.

Utah Task Force One gathers in Georgia ahead of their expected hurricane rescue assignment in Florida. (Utah Task Force One)

While their usual deployments last up to 14 days, he explained how because of the unprecedented back-to-back catastrophic events, FEMA asked them to extend for up to another 10 days.

For communities thrown into chaos, Case knows their work means the world.

“They are, in many cases, overwhelmed with emotion. Super happy to see us,” he said, of the people they often come across.

He talked about how it serves as motivation, while the group charges toward Hurricane Milton.

“We do what we can,” he said, “to be resilient and be prepared.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Weather

The Weber Basin Water Conservancy District said the trouble with a chlorine smell began two weekend...

Heather Peterson, KSL NewsRadio

Chlorine smell and taste plaguing Weber Basin water users

Days after water officials said the strong chlorine smell and taste should dissipate quickly, residents still report stinky water in Davis and several other counties.

21 hours ago

Downtown Salt Lake City from the Avenues on Dec. 27, 2024. The Astra Tower, seen here lit in differ...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Salt Lake City is about to get another weather beacon. Here’s what this one will forecast

Salt Lake City's buildings will offer more than weather forecasts beginning later this month.

2 days ago

Salt Lake County Search and Rescue responds to an avalanche fatality in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Sa...

Becky Bruce

Avalanche danger to remain “considerable” across Utah, forecaster says

Forecasters expect "considerable" avalanche danger for at least a couple more days, after an active weekend for slides.

3 days ago

Bikers pause at the Virgin River in St. George on April 10, 2021. Extreme drought returned to the S...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Extreme drought returns to parts of Utah as dry conditions intensify statewide

Extreme drought has returned to Utah for the first time in nearly two years, but a weekend storm could help parts of the state that have so far missed out on winter storms.

6 days ago

Red Cliffs in Nephi, Juab County, Utah. (KSL TV)...

Jacob Freeman

55 mph wind gusts expected in Millard, Juab counties

Wind gusts of speeds up to 55 miles per hour are expected Friday in Millard and Juab Counties, potentially strong enough to cause dangerous driving conditions and power outages.

6 days ago

People walk at Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City on Jan. 3. Salt Lake City is one of a few cities ...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Record-breaking warmth, windy conditions forecast this week

Even though Groundhog Day left the U.S. with six more weeks of winter this year, it won't feel like it in Utah.

9 days ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Utah Task Force One now in position for Hurricane Milton rescues