Nevada Task Force 1: Search and Recovery Efforts in Texas

Nevada Task Force 1 (NV-TF1) continues operations in Kerr County, Texas following catastrophic flooding caused by severe weather. Their deployment is part of FEMA’s national response effort, focused on search and recovery across the Guadalupe River basin.

Arrival and full team deployment

The 47-member team reached the San Antonio area at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9 after a 20-hour nonstop drive. After checking into a hotel for a short rest, NV-TF1 received a full FEMA briefing Thursday morning and moved into their assigned base in Kerrville. From there, they began setting up camp alongside three other federal urban search and rescue teams. The team includes highly trained specialists from the Clark County, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and Boulder City Fire Departments.

Search area progress and site results

Sunday’s rainfall forced a temporary suspension of search activity, and operations resumed cautiously on Monday. NV-TF1 completed the full search of a major debris pile as their first assigned task. Although no victims were located, the property owner expressed sincere thanks for the team’s effort and professionalism. Numerous local volunteers joined them to assist with additional debris removal. Task Force leadership confirmed the team continues to perform as a cohesive and highly effective unit.

Multi-agency cooperation and decontamination

Throughout the first days on site, the task force worked side-by-side with a Texas search and rescue team, a California K9 unit, local law enforcement, and heavy machinery operators. Their responsibilities included both primary and targeted secondary searches in unstable terrain. All vehicles and responders—including K9s—are required to pass through a strict hazardous material decontamination system before reentering base. Each K9 also undergoes a veterinary exam after field activity to ensure continued health and safety.

Morale, efficiency, and deployment history

Despite heat, terrain challenges, and changing weather, the team’s morale remains strong. According to daily briefings, all assignments are being completed successfully. The mission is expected to last two weeks. NV-TF1 is one of only 28 FEMA-funded urban search and rescue teams nationwide. Their past deployments include the Oklahoma City bombing, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the Maui wildfires.

Ongoing dedication in the field

Every day in Texas, NV-TF1 continues to deliver impact, stability, and trained leadership to families recovering from disaster. Their work saves time, restores dignity, and protects life across communities facing loss. That’s the enduring value of NV-TF1 search efforts.