SAN DIEGO -- The state Office of Emergency Services Tuesday unveiled five new fire trucks that will be deployed to fire departments in Southern California -- including three in San Diego County.

The $250,000 trucks, which can be used for firefighting and search-and-rescue operations, were provided to the San Diego, Escondido and Oceanside fire departments. Trucks were also granted to fire departments in Murrieta and Riverside.

"These engines are vital to our mission of ensuring that California is ready for any natural or man-made disaster," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said at a San Diego news conference. "They will boost our ability to respond to emergencies and help put out fires while they are still small."

The trucks are part of a fleet of 19 that will be distributed throughout the state, including five this month in Los Angeles County and more in Northern California during the summer.

The trucks are being deployed to strategic locations so they can quickly respond to emergencies, but their use will be determined by local fire personnel, according to state officials.