Eleven hikers and three dogs stranded in the Los Padres National Forest after a storm were rescued by the Ventura County Aviation Unit in the afternoon of March 30, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
The Sheriff’s Office said water levels rose in the Sespe River, causing the hikers to get stranded in the forest, which is about 40 miles northeast of Santa Barbara, the nearest city.
The hikers and dogs were airlifted to safety by two helicopters from the Ventura County Aviation Unit after the Ventura Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department were unable to reach the area by land, according to the statement.
The rescue comes after a recent increase in storms and rainfall in most of Southern California, increasing the danger of flash floods that may leave hikers stranded, authorities said.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office recommended those wishing to go hiking to check the weather conditions and any announcements or warnings that may be issued by public safety agencies.
