Search and Rescue helps stranded people out of forest

WILLOWS » With help from Glenn County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, campers who became stranded at a site in the Mendocino National Forest were able to get out safely.

According to a press release, the Sheriff’s Office was notified on Tuesday evening that three adults and possibly a 1-year- old, all from Maxwell, were stuck in the snow at Wells Campground in the Mendocino National Forest and had no way of getting out. Additionally, they did not have food and water, and were not prepared to spend the night in the inclement weather.

Due to the remote area and spotty cell-phone reception, the Sheriff’s Office Emergency Dispatch Center lost contact with the stranded people and were unable to reestablish contact with any of them.

A GCSAR team responded to the Wells Campground area, where they located and rescued the three stranded people.

After the team responded to the scene, it was revealed the 1-year- old child did not go with them to the snow and was safe. Everyone was escorted back to the valley and reunited with their families.

At the time of the response, temperatures had already fallen below freezing and were expected to fall much lower into the night. According to the U. S. Forest Service website, the camp area is approximately 33 miles west of the closest town, Paskenta.

The Sheriff’s Office said mountain roads are more hazardous than usual this year as a result of the lack of vegetation from the most recent fire season when the August Complex swept through parts of the forest.

Lastly, the Sheriff’s Office advised people to drive safely, notify friends and family of your planned route and when you expect to return, as well as pack an emergency bag as a precaution in case you become stranded, and dress appropriately for weather conditions.