Cal Fire rescues transients, dogs stranded in Santa Ana River amid rainstorm
Eleven people and multiple canines who became stranded today on strips of land surrounded by fast-moving water in the Santa Ana River bottom were rescued by fire crews.
The water emergency was reported shortly before 10 a.m. near the Van Buren Boulevard bridge, according to the Riverside Fire Department.
Witnesses spotted people standing on either a sandbar or other thin strip of terrain, yelling for help, fire officials said.
About an hour later, as city fire personnel were engaged in their rescue operation, two people stranded on the Jurupa Valley side of the river, near Van Buren and Clay Street, began shouting for help, according to officials at the scene.
WATER RESCUE - rpt @ 11:17AM. Riverbottom area at Van Buren Blvd. / Clay St., Jurupa Valley. Firefighters are on-scene of several parties in the riverbottom requiring rescue from rising flood waters. Working with @rivcafire for patients on both sides of the river.… pic.twitter.com/0kh9w8aocd
— CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department (@CALFIRERRU) February 5, 2024
At that point, engine crews from the Riverside County Fire Department were sent to initiate a separate rescue.
Waters in the Santa Ana began rising last week when the first round of storms hit and were moving rapidly after the latest downpours began Sunday night. The area is replete with transient encampments.
Northbound Van Buren was closed by Riverside police while the rescue operations were underway.
Around noon, municipal firefighters completed their operation, safely extricating a total of nine people and seven dogs from islands along the Riverside boundary of the river. One woman was suffering from hypothermia and required medical treatment, officials said.
No other injuries were reported.
Riverside County Department of Animal Services personnel impounded the canines at the nearby Western Riverside County Animal Shelter.
Shortly afterward, county fire personnel wrapped up their rescue, using a hoist line on a ladder truck to safely extricate two people from their isolated location on the river.
The parties declined medical treatment.
Here in the Coachella Valley, a First Alert Weather Alert has been issued for Monday and Tuesday.
Much more significant rainfall totals are expected west of the valley and in areas of higher elevation. Because of the high potential for runoff, the Coachella Valley may see significant flooding, especially through the washes. A Flood Watch will last through Tuesday evening.
Have you downloaded the 'KESQ First Alert' app yet? It's FREE! Click here.
You'll stay up-to-date with the latest weather videos. In addition, be able to monitor the changing conditions from wherever you are!
