The County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LACoFD) international urban search and rescue team, known as USA-2, was activated by the U.S. Department of State to respond to Venezuela in the wake of the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that hit the country’s center on June 25, 2026.
Comprised of 71 members and six canine teams, including 84,000 pounds of equipment, USA-2 joined the Fairfax County Fire Department’s international USAR team, USA-1, to provide search, rescue, and recovery assistance.
Leveraging highly specialized technical training, expertise, and equipment, team members continue to work hard, conducting 24/7 search and rescue operations across multiple collapsed structures. The LACoFD and U.S. Department of State mission is also supported by our elite canine teams trained in:
Scent Detection: Trained to bypass destructive noise and hunt specifically for living humans in rubble.
Rapid Response: When a dog alerts its handler to a “find,” rescue teams immediately move in to breach concrete and steel.
Today, after an intensive operation, LACoFD USA-2, FL-TF2, and CHI-01 teams rescued and carried a trapped victim to safety. This rescue offers a powerful reminder of what’s possible through hope, perseverance, and teamwork. We applaud our USA-2 team and all first responders on the ground providing caring and dedicated service.
Our thoughts remain with the Venezuelan people and all those impacted by these devastating earthquakes.
