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National Guard Launches Risky Mission to Rescue 160 People Trapped by California Wildfire

GOT ’EM

The National Guard flew helicopters into thick smoke, a day after a Chinook military team had to call off the attempt at China Peak and Lake Edison.

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Reuters/Stephen Price

The California National Guard has rescued about 100 people reported to be trapped in the Sierras by the raging Creek Fire in the hills outside Fresno. A military operation to airlift them to safety failed late Monday due to impenetrable smoke. The risky mission early Tuesday morning included Chinook and Black Hawk helicopters with night vision capabilities. A further 60 people were still waiting to be airlifted out on Tuesday afternoon. The Creek Fire has grown to 135,523 acres with 0 percent containment. Over the weekend, 214 people were rescued from the Mammoth Pool Reservoir in Madera County after being trapped by the flames.

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