During the week of Jan. 18, the National Weather Service warned the public, fire agencies, law enforcement, and swift water rescue teams to prepare for rain in excess of 15 inches in San Diego County and Southern California.
Based upon these predications CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Authority staffed two teams of swift water rescue trained firefighters to assist in flood related incidents.
These teams would prove to be vital in two rescues that occurred days later.
On the evening of Jan. 21, engine companies responded to a report of swift water rescue incident in Valley Center. Two adult occupants were inside a Toyota 4 Runner that was partially submerged in a fast moving body of water.
They had attempted to cross a fast moving creek when the vehicle became stuck. One of the two rescue teams were able to rescue both occupants without injury.
The following day, crews responded to the same creek for another swift water rescue for a similar incident.
The father and son were cold and wet. They explained how they had jumped from the vehicle making it to shore without injury.
With the truck partially submerged, the focus quickly shifted to rescuing the family's two pets. The team entered rescued both dogs without injury.
