Officials reported that a daring rescue operation was successfully executed yesterday in Butano State Park as firefighters and volunteers rallied to save an injured hiker trapped deep in the wilderness. The emergency unfolded when the hiker, venturing on the Olma Fire Road, called for help following a serious fall amidst the rugged park terrain.
The team comprised CAL FIRE, San Mateo County Fire Station 59 from Pescadero, and volunteers from the Loma Mar Fire Department, had to go to great lengths to reach the stranded individual. They traveled by truck and ATV as far as the overgrown path would allow, boldly cutting through a barrage of fallen trees and dense underbrush to forge a route two miles into the heart of the park, according to a CAL FIRE CZU X post.
Quite the rescue today in Butano State Park! Firefighters with CAL FIRE, San Mateo County Fire Station 59 (Pescadero) and our @LomaMarFD volunteers responded to an injured hiker deep in the park on the Olma Fire Road. The hiker called for help after taking a tumble. (MORE ⬇️) pic.twitter.com/Tfq5TIe66f
— CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) April 25, 2024
When vehicular progress was halted by the impenetrable forest, rescuers continued on foot for an additional mile and a half to reach the injured party. The terrain proved a formidable opponent, but the rescue team's relentless persistence paid off as they located the hiker.
Assistance from the California Highway Patrol helicopter H-30 was then called upon to delicately hoist the hiker from the thick canopy, a task they expertly performed under challenging conditions. The hiker was transported to the Pescadero landing zone for medical attention by AMR Social, who was ready to provide the required care. "That's serious dedication to get to their patient. Way to go team!" praised the fire service in their social media update.
