Injured Hawk Rescued From Tree as Santa Ana Winds Howl

Firefighters used an aerial ladder to rescue an injured hawk stuck high in a tree in Southern California as Santa Ana winds swept through the area.

Footage released by the Orange County Fire Authority shows a firefighter at the tip of Truck 4’s ladder, lit by a spotlight, reaching into the branches of a eucalyptus tree to retrieve the bird on the night of October 15.

The crew was working alongside Irvine Police Department’s Animal Control team to bring the hawk safely down, the fire authority said.

“Our crews respond to and assist with a wide variety of calls, from emergencies involving people and property to helping our community’s animals,” OCFA said. “The rescue was a small part of a busy night, but a big moment for one feathered resident.”