Creek Fire: Crews share harrowing moments of Mammoth Pool Reservoir rescue
The National Guard team that rescued hundreds of people trapped by the Creek Fire discussed the live-saving mission's tense moments.
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The National Guard team that rescued hundreds of people trapped by the Creek Fire over the weekend discussed the life-saving mission's tense moments.
Crews of the CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk said they took women and children out first as the flames continued to burn closer to the Mammoth Pool Reservoir in the Sierra National Forest.
RELATED: Creek Fire: 143,929 acres now burned with 0% containment
When they landed by the lake, the fire line was just 50 to 75 feet from the aircraft.
While danger surrounded them, the crews focused on getting people to safety.
RELATED: Creek Fire: 214 people airlifted from Mammoth Pool reservoir in daring rescue
"On each (helicopter), I'd ask them, are you ready for another? And every single time, they said yes. They were 100% committed to get everyone out. I told them they had to come back the next day, and they said they were very happy to do it," a National Guard official said during a round table discussion on Monday.
Chinook crew members say the smoke was so thick, causing many to become nauseated.
The Chinook and Black Hawk pilots both described it as the most dangerous mission they had ever been on in their careers, which have spanned more than two decades.
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