On the afternoon of March 30, 2024, the Ventura County Aviation Unit responded to multiple groups of stranded hikers on the Sespe River Trail, in the Los Padres National Forest. This area is north of the Fillmore area. In total, 11 hikers and 3 dogs were airlifted to safety.

The recent storm over the weekend caused major impacts to the Sespe Trail in the Los Padres National Forest. Rain caused water levels in the Sespe River to rise quickly leaving hikers stranded in harsh conditions. Ground units from the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department were unable to safely access the areas to lead the groups to safety. Two separate rescue helicopters were dispatched to the area.

Copter 9 is a Bell 412-EPX helicopter equipped with a rescue hoist, available seating for 10 passengers including the crew of 4, a paramedic, crew chiefs, and pilot. Copter 4 is a Fire Hawk firefighting/ rescue helicopter equipped with a rescue hoist, and available seating for 14 passengers including 2 crew chiefs and a pilot.

This year, Ventura County and most of Southern California has seen an increase in storms and rainfall. These storms have the ability to change normal water conditions into dangerous water currents and flash flooding. This has in turn increased the amount of rescues in the region. While both the Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office have highly trained teams to respond to these types of emergencies, we encourage outdoor enthusiasts to closely monitor weather conditions and recommendations given by public safety agencies. Rescue operations are intrinsically dangerous to both the rescuers and the victims.

The Ventura County Aviation Unit is a partnership between the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Ventura County Fire Department. Together the agencies provide staffing to the unit and respond to a variety of missions to include firefighting, search and rescue, medical calls, and law enforcement. The unit is staffed 365 days a year with highly trained Firefighters and Deputy Sheriffs. The Aviation Unit patrols and responds to all cites and areas of Ventura County regardless of which municipal police or fire department has primary jurisdiction.

Media Follow-Up Contact: Fire Captain Jeff Seabrook (805) 388-4212/ jeffrey.seabrook@ventura.org

Prepared by: Fire Captain Jeff Seabrook – Ventura County Aviation Unit

Approved by: Captain Brian Slominski