Video shows pilots rescue three people and two dogs as fire threatens mountains

[Glasgow]

A daring mountain rescue by helicopter pilots low on fuel and short of time has been shared online, with the brave duo winning the battle to extract people and pets before a wild bushfire could completely engulf a ridge in Southern California.

David Nordquist and Joel Smith were conducting water drops on the Woolsey Fire when they were called to conduct a rescue at Castro Peak in the hills above Malibu, the LA Fire Department said.

The vision, captured on November 9, showed how the pair battled to find a safe landing spot among thick smoke from the encroaching fire, vegetation, service buildings, vehicles and “critical” fuel levels to make the extraction.

The pair was able to find a spot before Mr Smith jumped out to safely guide three people and two dogs towards their rescue helicopter.

“That was close,” Mr Smith says, as the pair, together with their rescued passengers, take off.

“Yeah it was,” Mr Nordquist responds.

LAFD spokeswoman Margaret Stewart was rightfully chuffed with the efforts of the two Air Operations pilots.

“Their professionalism, technical expertise and complete dedication to their mission was directly responsible for saving the lives of three people and two dogs,” she said.

Other agreed, with many praising the incredible perspective offered by the two pilots.

“Just watched the whole thing; amazing video; a perspective that the general public never gets to see,” Mark Lassman commented on YouTube. “VERY difficult landing, but they pulled it off.”

“Two cool cucumbers - calm and focused. Amazing job,” said Cori Gunnells.

TheLivesOfMe described it as a “stunning rescue”.

“Thank you so much for sharing this - it's from a perspective we rarely get to see,” The YouTube user said. “Amazing skills - so (much) kudos to the pilots.”

Local media report the fires - which started on November 8 - have claimed more than 80 lives, with hundreds still unaccounted for.

Authorities are now bracing for heavy rains which could hinder the search and raise the risk of mudslides.