California: Six years after Creek Fire, Governor Newsom recognizes historic nighttime CalGuard rescue that saved 242 lives
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Sep 4, 2026

Six years after Creek Fire, Governor Newsom recognizes historic nighttime CalGuard rescue that saved 242 lives

The new mini-documentary tells the story of the seven-hour nighttime operation that changed wildfire response

What you need to know: Six years later, Governor Newsom remembers the Creek Fire rescue that changed nighttime firefighting forever – saving 242 lives in seven hours.

SACRAMENTO — Six years after the Creek Fire forced hundreds of people to flee for their lives as flames surrounded Mammoth Pool Reservoir, Governor Gavin Newsom today highlighted a new California National Guard (CalGuard) mini-documentary recounting the extraordinary nighttime mission that rescued 242 people — the largest helicopter rescue in National Guard history.



When the sun went down that night, the fire didn't stop — and neither did the rescue.

California's bravest don't wait for the perfect conditions — they run toward the danger when people need help. Our National Guard aircrews looked at a wall of fire, saw hundreds of Californians trapped, and flew into the night. They saved 242 lives, and they showed the world what courage, skill and teamwork look like when it matters most.

Governor Gavin Newsom

The Creek Fire began on September 4, 2020, in the Sierra National Forest and rapidly intensified during 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 dangerously close to the aircraft and evacuating people suffering from severe burns and other injuries.

The mission saved 242 lives.

The new mini-film, "Beyond the Limits: Creek Fire Rescue," tells the story through the eyes of the pilots and flight crews who carried out the mission — including the life-or-death decisions they made as the fire closed in.

The rescue also became a defining moment in California's evolution of nighttime wildfire response, demonstrating what was possible when specialized military aviation capabilities could operate after dark. Today, California has continued to expand nighttime aviation capabilities and train CAL FIRE and Cal Guard crews who work together when wildfires threaten communities around the clock.

"I am proud of the dedicated service members of the California National Guard, who humbly serve alongside our interagency partners in the fight against wildfires," said CalGuard Major General Matthew Beevers. "Together, through coordination and shared purpose, we support those leading the response to protect our communities."

The crews were later recognized for their extraordinary actions, including with the Distinguished Flying Cross and the California Medal of Valor.

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Multi-agency response

The historic rescue was also a whole-of-government effort, with Cal Guard aircrews working alongside CAL FIRE, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), local fire departments, law enforcement, emergency medical providers and other partners on the ground to coordinate intelligence, evacuations, medical care and logistics.

On the ground, responders provided critical intelligence, evacuation support, medical care and logistics as the Guard crews worked from the air.

"The Creek Fire rescue showed us what's possible when agencies unite in the face of crisis," said CAL FIRE Chief Deputy Director of Operations Anale Burlew. "The collaboration between CAL FIRE, the California National Guard, Cal OES, local responders, and countless partners was more than a coordinated effort—it was a testament to the power of partnership. Our ongoing commitment to training, innovation, and teamwork ensures that when Californians need us most, we stand ready—stronger together."

"California's first responders and emergency managers answer the call to serve their communities every day. Often stepping forward during the most difficult and dangerous moments," said Cal OES Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs. "Cal OES is proud to have supported the heroic actions of the California National Guard aircrews during the Creek Fire by coordinating across agencies and disciplines, so they had the support they needed to protect lives, safeguard communities, and keep Californians safe when it mattered most."

The Creek Fire also became a defining moment in California's approach to nighttime wildfire aviation.

At the time of the rescue, nighttime wildfire aviation was still a limited capability. As the Cal Guard crew recounts in the new film, civilian aircraft had been grounded at sunset — but the Guard had night-vision goggles and the ability to continue flying.

Since then, California has continued building and training for a wildfire response that can operate around the clock. CAL FIRE now operates aircraft with nighttime capability, including a fleet of 17 S-70i Fire Hawk Fire Helicopters, eight exclusive use contracted air tankers and two additional night flying coordination helicopters. CAL FIRE and the California National Guard regularly train together so military aviation can be integrated safely into wildfire operations when additional resources are needed.

The state has also expanded the use of advanced fire intelligence, mapping and detection tools, including ALERTCalifornia, FIRIS and the Cal Guard's FireGuard program, which supports statewide wildfire detection, assessment and intelligence.

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The result is a more connected system — one in which firefighters, pilots, emergency managers, military crews and technology teams can work together when conditions are at their worst.

That mission six years ago is a reminder about the weight first responders carry every day as they respond to near impossible conditions, refusing to leave anyone behind.

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