GOT ’EM

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

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.

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.