Tue, Nov 27, 2018
Had Been Fighting Woolsey Fire When The Rescue Call Came
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 9th.
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.
(Image provided with LAFD news release)
More News
Aero Linx: Model Aeronautical Association of Australia MAAA clubs are about fun flying, camaraderie and community. For over 75 years, the MAAA has been Australia’s largest fl>[...]
Touchdown Zone Lighting Two rows of transverse light bars located symmetrically about the runway centerline normally at 100 foot intervals. The basic system extends 3,000 feet alon>[...]
“Discovery and innovation are central to our mission at Virgin Galactic. We’re excited to build on our successful record of facilitating scientific experiments in subor>[...]
How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]
Student Pilot Reported That During Rotation, “All Of A Sudden The Back Of The Plane Kicked To The Right..." Analysis: The student pilot reported that during rotation, “>[...]