A CAL FIRE San Diego helitack crew rescued two people who became trapped by the Creelman Fire near Ramona, according to East County Magazine, citing CAL FIRE and San Diego County Fire.

The fire ignited Wednesday afternoon near Ramona and prompted a multi-agency response as flames threatened nearby communities. Within the first 20 minutes of the incident, emergency dispatchers received reports that two people were trapped in a remote area after the fire cut off their escape route, East County Magazine reported.

The crew aboard Copter 609 heard the emergency radio traffic while reloading with water for firefighting operations. After locating the victims, the crew made a water drop near their vehicle to reduce fire activity, then landed nearby and safely loaded the two people onto the helicopter.

East County Magazine reported that the victims were transported to a waiting San Diego County Fire paramedic ambulance, evaluated and reunited with family members unharmed. CAL FIRE and County Fire officials said Copter 609 then returned to suppression work, making additional water drops.

For Santee and East County residents, the rescue is a reminder that wildfires can change quickly, especially in inland and backcountry areas. Residents near evacuation zones should keep phones charged, monitor official alerts and leave early when evacuation orders or warnings are issued.