Rescue crews save 5 people, 4 dogs trapped by flood on Chilliwack River

Just hours after the Fraser Valley Regional District declared a state of local emergency and issued evacuation orders and alerts for areas near the Chilliwack River, crews were on the job rescuing a group that found itself trapped.

North Shore Rescue (NSR) says its helicopter team was called early Thursday morning to assist Chilliwack Search and Rescue in a flood rescue.

“A group of 5 individuals and 4 dogs were trapped on an island in the Chilliwack River, with flood waters rising all around them,” NSR said.

“Two NSR helicopter rescue technicians responded along with our partner Talon Helicopters and flew to the Chilliwack River Valley.”

The group was brought to safety over the course of several hours.

“All individuals and dogs were successfully rescued via hoist in challenging conditions (winds, tight trees, and rising floodwaters).”

NSR says it has several K9 rescue kits, including dog harnesses for helicopter rescues.