LOS ANGELES — The U.S. Department of State has activated a support unit from the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s international Urban Search and Rescue team, known as USA-2, to assist Colombia following the devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on Aug. 10, 2026.

The 10-member USA-2 support team consists of seven Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel and three structural specialists from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.

The team departed Los Angeles International Airport for Colombia at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

While in Colombia, the team will assist with the coordination of search-and-rescue operations, conduct structural engineering assessments and provide technical expertise to Colombian authorities.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone thanked the State Department for entrusting the department’s highly trained personnel with the mission during a time of urgent need for the Colombian people.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating earthquake,” Marrone said.

The deployment will continue until the team is demobilized by the U.S. Department of State. The Los Angeles County Fire Department will maintain daily communication with USA-2 personnel throughout the mission.