Hikers Rescued Off El Capitan

El Monte Valley: On Sunday, September 12th, 2010 at 9:18 PM, the Lakeside Fire District received a request to assist the San Diego Sheriff Department with the rescue of three hikers on the side of El Captain Mountain. A rescue unit, ALS medic unit, and battalion chief were dispatched from the Lake Jennings station to El Monte Park.

Originally the Sheriff Department received a 911 call from three hikers that had lost their trail in the darkness and were stranded on the mountain after a day of rock climbing. ASTREA was sent to the area and quickly located the party, but due to their location on the mountain it was determined that a hoist lift would be required.

San Diego Fire Department dispatched Copter 2 to the area. What would normally be a routine rescue became a little more challenging with clouds of ash (from the recent Monte Fire) blew up obscuring the crews vision. Eventually a rescuer was lowered to the victims and they were hoisted to the helicopter.

Lakeside paramedics evaluate the three hikers at El Monte Park

The trio was flown to El Monte Park to be evaluated by Lakeside paramedics. It was determined that the three had mild dehydration and required no additional medical attention.

Story Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District