Woman Rescued After 9-Mile Creek Sweep | SoCal Storm

Firefighters Rescue Woman Swept Nine Miles Down San Jose Creek

A woman was dramatically rescued by the Los Angeles County Fire Department on Wednesday after being carried nine miles downstream in San Jose Creek. The incident began with a sighting near Fullerton Road and the 60 Freeway around 1:50 p.m.,culminating in her rescue several hours later at Workman Mill Road.

Initial Search and Rapidly Developing Situation

The initial report came in around 1:50 p.m. on Wednesday, alerting authorities to a woman in distress within San Jose Creek. Though, by the time firefighters arrived on the scene just 17 minutes later, the woman had already been swept further downstream. “She went downstream for a while,” explained a spokesperson for the L.A. County Fire Department.

The department instantly initiated an extensive search operation, deploying fire trucks and a helicopter to locate the individual. Footage captured by OnScene.TV documented the unfolding search, highlighting the challenges posed by the creek’s current.

onscene.TV footage of the search operation can be viewed here.

Did you know? – San Jose Creek is a concrete-lined channel designed to manage stormwater runoff in Los Angeles County. Its smooth surface can accelerate water flow, increasing hazards.

Successful Rescue and Medical attention

After a determined search, the woman was eventually located and rescued near Workman Mill Road in San Jose Creek. Video footage shows the woman being carefully assisted onto a stretcher by responding firefighters. She was then transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Her condition remains unknown at this time.

Pro tip – If you see someone struggling in moving water, do not attempt a self-rescue. Call 911 immediately and provide precise location details to emergency responders.

Creek Conditions and Potential Hazards

According to the Fire Department, San Jose Creek was approximately 2 feet deep at the time of the incident, with the water flowing at a rate of 8 to 10 mph. These conditions, while seemingly mild, presented a important hazard, contributing to the length of time the woman was swept downstream.

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This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with even seemingly calm waterways, especially during periods of increased water flow. Authorities urge the public to exercise extreme caution near creeks and rivers, especially after rainfall.

Reader question – What factors do you think contribute to the dangers of urban waterways like San Jose Creek,even when water levels appear low?

Why did this happen? The woman was swept downstream in San Jose Creek after becoming distressed in the water. Who was involved? The Los Angeles County Fire Department rescued the woman. What occurred? The woman was carried approximately nine miles downstream before being rescued near Workman Mill Road. How did it end? Firefighters located and rescued the woman, transporting her to a local hospital for medical evaluation; her condition is currently unknown.