California wildfires: Dramatic footage shows helicopter rescue of firefighters surrounded by blazes
Pair had become trapped on ridgeline at Point Reyes National Seashore
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The dramatic rescue of two firefighters who had become trapped by deadly wildfires in California can be seen in footage that highlights the danger the blazes pose.
The Marin County Fire Department requested the urgent rescue of the firefighters who had become trapped on a ridgeline at Point Reyes National Seashore and were unable to make it out of the path of the advancing inferno at 8.15pm local time on Friday.
The helmet-cam footage, released by the Sonoma County sheriff’s office, shows the firefighters standing on the ridgeline and quickly kitting up to be hoisted to safety by helicopter.
As the aircraft ascends, the pair can be seen clinging onto a rope as the flames grow behind them.
“Had it not been for that helicopter, those firefighters would certainly have perished,” Mark Essick, the sheriff of Sonoma County, said.
The Sonoma sheriff’s helicopter Henry-1 responded to the emergency because it “is the only helicopter in the region capable of conducting a vertical reference long line rescue at night”, the sheriff’s office said.
In a post on social media, it added: “To complicate the situation further, the fire was creating strong, gusting winds that intensified as Henry 1 flew closer to the head of the fire.
“Henry 1 landed approximately a mile from the firefighter’s location and the tactical flight officer (TFO) configured the helicopter for long line rescue with a 100-foot long line.
“The TFO subsequently attached himself to the long line and was flown to the location of the firefighters.”
The firefighters were unharmed, but the footage shows that sometimes, “even first responders need a first responder”, the sheriff’s office said.
Over 14,000 firefighters are battling the wildfires that have burnt nearly 1 million acres of land.
At least six people have died, and tens of thousands have been evacuated.
Donald Trump has declared a major disaster and released federal aid.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments