Firefighters conduct helicopter rescue after man jumps into LA River to save his dog

Firefighters conducted a helicopter rescue earlier this week to save a man who jumped into the Los Angeles River to save his dog amid record-setting rain that flooded the area. 

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded around 2:45 p.m. local time Monday to reports from bystanders who said they saw a man jump into the water to save his dog, which was swimming in the swollen Los Angeles River, according to a bulletin released Monday

The dog “had managed to swim safely to the edge and escape the rapids.” Then, emergency crews checked multiple access points before lowering an LAFD Air Ops rescuer into the water to pull the man from the water. 

In the video posted on Facebook by the LAFD, the rescuer can be seen touching the water before grabbing the man and both were hoisted to safety. 

The man, who was conscious during the rescue, was transported to the hospital by air. His dog was brought to a local shelter to be treated for minor injuries.

“This pup was happy to be alive, and eager to reunite with his human,” the LAFD said in a Monday post on X, formerly known as Twitter, mentioning Los Angeles Animal Services. “Thank you @LACityPets for caring for him while his owner received medical care at a nearby hospital after a harrowing experience in the Pacoima Wash.” 

The Los Angeles area experienced one of its wettest storms in history, receiving between 6-12 inches of rain. The storm led to nearly 400 mudslides, and the National Weather Service even issued a tornado warning over San Diego County, a rarity for the area.