Six years after the Creek Fire forced hundreds of people to flee as flames surrounded Mammoth Pool Reservoir, Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted a new California National Guard mini-documentary recounting a historic nighttime rescue that saved 242 people.
The Creek Fire began on September 4, 2020, in the Sierra National Forest and rapidly intensified over the Labor Day weekend. As thick smoke grounded civilian aircraft and people remained trapped near the reservoir, California National Guard aircrews from the 40th Combat Aviation Brigade made the decision to fly into the fire using night-vision goggles. Over seven hours, CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk crews made multiple flights through smoke-filled airspace, landing on a steep boat ramp with flames close to the aircraft and evacuating people suffering from severe burns and other injuries.
The rescue became a defining moment in California's approach to nighttime wildfire aviation. At the time, nighttime wildfire aviation was a limited capability and civilian aircraft had been grounded at sunset. The Guard's ability to fly with night-vision goggles allowed the operation to continue. The crews were later recognized with the Distinguished Flying Cross and the California Medal of Valor.
Since then, California has expanded nighttime aviation capabilities for wildfire response. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection now operates a fleet of 17 S-70i Fire Hawk helicopters with nighttime capability, eight exclusive-use contracted air tankers, and two additional night flying coordination helicopters. CAL FIRE and the California National Guard regularly train together to integrate military aviation into wildfire operations when additional resources are needed.