LAFD Pilots Make Daring Mountain Rescue - Woolsey Fire | November 9, 2018

Risking lives to save lives is what firefighters do but LAFD Air Operations Pilots David Nordquist and Joel Smith took it to new heights at the Woolsey Fire on Friday, November 9, 2018.
While actively conducting a water drop on a flank of the massive blaze, the pilots of "Fire 4" received a request for a follow-on mission to conduct a rescue at nearby Castro Peak in the hills above Malibu. The smoke column thickened and darkened with danger as Nordquist and Smith approached their target. The ridge atop the narrow peak was filled with service buildings, vehicles and antennae, creating an incredibly complex scenario for landing; yet they knew people's lives depended on them finding a way. With their fuel supply dwindling and no resources available for a hoist operation, they made their approach. Once on the ground, Nordquist held the idling helicopter amid the brush as the full force of the Woolsey fire bore down on the mountain outpost. Smith quickly exited the helicopter and ran to the aid of the civilians trapped on the mountain.
Over the next few minutes, Pilot Nordquist and Pilot Smith fully exemplified the Core Values of the Los Angeles Fire Department; Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, Innovation and Trust.
Their professionalism, technical expertise and complete dedication to their mission was directly responsible for saving the lives of three people and two dogs.
We believe the video is far more powerful than any words written here and we invite you to view this incredible rescue for yourself. The approach to the rescue begins at the mark 3:29.

[@nightfall22]

Beautiful

[@sar4x474]

I imagine those pilots must suffer from some terrible hip issues since they have to walk with their legs so far apart to make room for their gargantuan testicles.

[@jerplane400]

Awesome video! Great job pilots and crew!!!

[@Dovietail]

Extra credit for knowing an English mastiff when you see one!

[@frstrspndr1478]

Love listening to the communication. I've seen this video before but I'm glad you have it on this channel now

[@mansonsmom]

Y’all are amazing. Can’t imagine how hard that is. Thank you for your service!

[@ronbriggs6905]

True team effort but amazing job done!

[@davidmack4495]

awesome.. real pros!! calm, cool, collected.

[@johnwoodall3791]

Where would we be if it wasn't for the People who Crew Rescue Helicopters. I see them here in Australia all the time often battling harsh weather to carry out a Winch Rescue or Medivac Operation, This is a Great Video that Goes to show the Skills of Pilot's in our Emergency Services and also the Paramedics and of course those who Maintain these Helicopters making them always ready to go at a moment's notice. To all Emergency Helicopter Rescue Team's be it in the United States or here in Australia and Globally Thankyou for Being There when Time is the Enemy in many cases and Virtually a Battle of at times Life and Death Situations. Regards

[@samaipata4756]

That’s the moment when you wish to fly a high quality Russian built Kamov!😉 But wise decision making of the crew.

[@josejimenaz]

best of lafd