Creek Fire: Military Helicopters Rescue Evacuees, Evacuee Thanks Them For Saving Lives

Sep 18, 2020

The fires in California have become a deadly threat to thousands of people. Thankfully, with the aid of California National Guard helicopter crews, more than 200 people in Fresno are safe. They were rescued from the Creek Fire in the Sierra National Forest by the CH-47 Chinook helicopter and a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on September 5.

One man named Dennis Drake was spending Labor Day with his family when they saw smoke in the distance. They didn't think much of it because it was so far away. Within hours, it crept to surround them. They were completely surrounded by fire. The Creek Fire actually grew to cover 2,000 acres that Saturday. By the next night, it covered 73,000 acres.

KMPH reported that the man and his family couldn't outrun the smoke, so they had to stay in place. The family knew they had to take cover in their reservoir with other people. It was about 40 feet down.

They understood the gravel wouldn't burn. Everyone jumped into the water. They would dunk themselves every 10-15 seconds. The family said the flames and smoke were intense. The Army National Guard helicopters came to their rescue. In fact, when they arrived, the fire was about 50 feet away from the campers.

The National Guard rescuers explained it as almost impossible to land due to the rugged land and many trees, according to USA Today. When they got word of those trapped, it was already almost night. They knew it would be tough to see in the dark, but also knew they were running on borrowed time.

They said the technology onboard the helicopters helped them find the people. The two helicopters made three trips each. They could each take about 60 people each time.

Everything around the lake was on fire. When they got the first set of passengers on the flight, they realized the extent of injuries. There was smoke inhalation and severe burns. The rescuers knew it would take multiple trips to evacuate all of them safely.

"Everybody's saying, 'get under the water, get under the water, get under the water.' We all did," Drake said. "We're dunking every 10-15 seconds, just trying to survive."

The people were taken to Fresno where ambulance crews waited to take care of them. Everyone saw the National Guard as the heroes they truly are. If it wasn't for them, some say they wouldn't have made it out alive. The rescuers said they were able to push forward despite the tough conditions due to their extensive training and high technology.

In all of the scary stories of the world today, this story shows there are heroes out there. Pass this story to your friends and family to lift their spirits today. And let us know what you think about this incredible rescue.