A specially trained group of La Crosse firefighters are standing by to help in Minneapolis if needed

Members of the La Crosse Technical Rescue Team recently trained on how to conduct search and recovery efforts of collapsed bridges and buildings. They have an idea of what's facing crews in Minneapolis.

Team Leader Frank Devine says at first it's probably overwhelming.  Based on his training, Devine says the Minnesota teams face some long, physically demanding hours ahead. Trying to move and break through all that concrete and steel.

Eventually, Devine says they may have to bring in barges with heavy duty cranes to lift the collapsed sections of the bridge. That means, it could be a while before all the victims are located.

Divine and his La Crosse team are part of a four hundred and fifty member Homeland Security squad trained to respond statewide to major structure disasters. Bridges, buildings, commercial or large residential structures. Anything that may be too much for local resources to handle.

AUDIO: Jim Dick reports ( 1:05 MP3 )

By order of the governor, Wisconsin is standing by to offer Minnesota any assistance needed in the bridge collapse tragedy.

Wisconsin's Emergency Management Team got involved shortly after the Interstate 35W bridge went down.

Lori Getter at the Emergency Management Office says Wisconsin has been in touch with Minnesota offering any special rescue/recovery teams or other help. And even though Minnesota has not asked for it, Getter says this state stands ready to send anyone needed.

Because so many people live in Wisconsin and work or visit Minnesota regularly, Getter says, there was some initial concern about other Mississippi River crossings. Early indications said an explosion was connected to the Minneapolis collapse. That got Homeland Security involved quickly.

Getter says the feds also determined quickly it was not the work of terrorists and informed Wisconsin there was no reason to be concerned about other Mississippi crossings.

And if there is anyone in Wisconsin who's wondering about family or friends being involved the tragedy a special phone line is up at the Wisconsin State Patrol Post in Eau Claire. 715-839-3803

The Twin Cities Red Cross has also set up a web site for people to contact.

AUDIO: Jim Dick reports ( 1:04 MP3 )

Recovery efforts are back underway this morning in Minneapolis, after a Wednesday evening bridge collapse over the Mississippi River. The catastrophe left at least nine people dead, 20 people missing, and 60 people injured.

In a Thursday morning press briefing, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty said it's a horrible tragedy and his heart goes out to the families of all the victims. Pawlenty pledged the state will do all it can to respond quickly to the needs of the emergency.

The cause of the collapse is still unknown. Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan says terrorism isn't likely but they'll be doing a thorough investigation. Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board will be on hand this morning.

Governor Pawlenty says the bridge was inspected in 2005 and 2006. He says no structural deficiencies were found during either of those inspections, only cosmetic issues.

The Red Cross's Ted Canova says offers of help in the recovery and relief efforts have flooded in. He's urging those who want to help to give blood or donate to relief efforts. Offers for help have started to come in from across the country.

Audio courtesy of Minnesota News Network .

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 2:04)