In a harrowing incident on Monday, a man’s courageous attempt to save his dog from Los Angeles floodwaters led to a dramatic helicopter rescue by firefighters. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley revealed the daring operation during a news conference addressing the severe flooding caused by a relentless atmospheric river pounding California for two days.
The National Weather Service identified this storm as one of the three wettest in recorded Los Angeles history. Social media footage captured the intense rescue, showing a firefighter being lowered by helicopter into the turbulent Pacoima Wash, a concrete flood channel in the San Fernando Valley.
The rescuer swiftly grabbed the man from the rushing waters, and both were airlifted to safety. Fire Chief Crowley emphasized the importance of caution around moving water, stating, “The rescue is a dramatic example of why we’re asking residents to please stay away from the LA River and other moving water.”
The man, later treated at a local hospital, and his resilient canine, which managed to swim to safety, serve as a powerful reminder of the dangers posed by the ongoing weather conditions.
