Tennessee has stepped up to assist New Mexico in dealing with the aftermath of recent wildfires and subsequent flash floods, deploying two specialized swiftwater rescue teams, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) confirmed. As burn scars across more than 25,000 acres in New Mexico pose a significant threat of flooding, these highly trained teams offer search and rescue skills along with medical support crucial in the ongoing disaster relief operations.

TEMA's director, Patrick Sheehan emphasized the gravity of the situation and the contribution of the volunteer teams, noting, "These Tennessee responders work every day tosave lives and their expertise will provide much needed relief to first responders in impacted areas of thestate," said Sheehan in a statement released by the Tennessee official website.

According to the information provided by TEMA, a seven-personnel strong swiftwater rescue team from the Madison County Fire Department embarked on their journey to Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Thursday, closely followed by another six-person team from Millington Fire Department and Collierville Fire Department the next day.

The inter-state coordination for these rescue missions is conducted through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a national mutual aid system that allows for efficient and collaborative disaster response among states. This system illustrates the solidarity and readiness with which our nation's states address calamities through shared resources and expertise.