2
Photo Info
Pilot Nordquist and pilot Smith saved the lives of three people and two dogs. David Nordquist PhotoPilot Nordquist and pilot Smith saved the lives of three people and two dogs. David Nordquist Photo

LAFD pilots make daring mountain rescue

LAFD Air Operations Press Release | November 20, 2018

Estimated reading time 2 minutes, 4 seconds.

Risking lives to save lives is what firefighters do, but Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Air Operations pilots David Nordquist and Joel Smith took it to new heights at the Woolsey Fire on Nov. 9.

Pilot Nordquist and pilot Smith saved the lives of three people and two dogs. David Nordquist Photo

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 as Nordquist and Smith approached their target. The ridge atop the narrow peak was filled with service buildings, vehicles and antennae, creating a 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 LAFD: 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.

The rescue was captured on video (embedded below). The approach to the rescue begins at the mark 3:29.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notice a spelling mistake or typo?

Click on the button below to send an email to our team and we will get to it as soon as possible.

Report an error or typo

Have a story idea you would like to suggest?

Click on the button below to send an email to our team and we will get to it as soon as possible.

Suggest a story