Tulsa First Responders React To Deadly 12-Story Building Collapse In Florida

99 people are still unaccounted for in Florida, after a building partially collapsed. Tulsa firefighters say they are trained for situations like this, should it ever happen in Oklahoma.

Officials said one person has died following the collapse of a 12-story beachfront condo in Miami, Florida. 

The mayor of Miami-Dade County said in a press conference late Thursday afternoon that 102 people are accounted for and safe, while at least 99 people are unaccounted for.

Related Story: 99 Unaccounted For After Deadly Highrise Collapse in Florida

Captain Justin Banks with the Tulsa Fire Department is one of the many supervisors of Task Force One -- Oklahoma's premier search and rescue team. He said the process of recovering people is very long and dangerous.  

"The one thing about the nature of it is the tedium, the patience that is involved in that type of effort. There is a good reason for that," Banks explained to News on 6. "We have been working on here in Tulsa for that very reason - to be able to unpackage that building to essentially deconstruct the collapse - and make it safe for not the only the people affected, but the responders as well."

Oklahoma's Task Force One and has been called to help with disasters all over the country, from Hurricanes in Florida and Louisiana to tornados and earthquakes in Oklahoma. 

“But some of the things that are starting to develop that we are trying to pay close attention to is now the number of earthquakes in the state of Oklahoma. That’s a huge concern in regards to structural integrity and building collapse and things we worry about as urban search and rescuers,” Banks explained.   

Banks said Oklahoma knows too well what Florida is going through right now, with the experience of the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building 26 years ago.

"The beauty of what came from the Murrah building bombing is Oklahomans themselves and what Oklahomans did to respond and what we did to be ready and the outsell of support. While our hearts are heavy, it's easy to have a smile because we know what came of it and how great we are as state in coming together to take care of our own," Banks added. 

Investigators haven't said yet what caused the condo to collapse. Mayor Cava also said she signed an emergency order, and that President Joe Biden has pledged to provide federal assistance from FEMA.

The American Red Cross sent a statement about their part in the recovery effort: 

"Our hearts go out to those affected by the Surfside building collapse.

The American Red Cross is providing food at the family reception center and partnering with local authorities to aid people impacted by this tragedy. Trained Red Cross volunteers are providing essential help such as mental health support as survivors begin to process their emotions in the aftermath of this disaster. The Red Cross is also helping residents find a safe place to stay.

We appreciate the outpouring of support and community members reaching out to the Red Cross to offer their help during this challenging moment. At this time, we have all the resources and assistance we need. We will continue to coordinate with local officials and community partners to determine how we can best support the Surfside community in the days and weeks ahead.”