Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
LAFD pilots rescue three people and two dogs from burning hilltop as Woolsey fire closes in
Pilots Joel Smith, left and David Nordquist, right, stand in front of their helicopter at the Los Angeles Fire Department air operations base in Van Nuys. (Emily Dugdale/KPCC)
(
Emily Dugdale/KPCC
)
Listen
0:54
LAFD pilots rescue three people and two dogs from burning hilltop as Woolsey fire closes in
Pilots Joel Smith and David Nordquist were running low on fuel and didn’t have the manpower to hoist the people below to safety. So they made a risky choice and landed their helicopter through the thick smoke on to a narrow strip of burning ridgeline. Helmet camera footage captured the moment.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
