A 40-year-old woman and her dog were rescued from the icy conditions of Mt. Baldy’s Devil’s Backbone trail over the weekend. Shawna Burger, a resident of Calabasas, called for help on Saturday (March 22) after getting lost and stranded in treacherous terrain, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Burger was found just below 9,000 feet on a narrow trail composed of shale rocks, snow, and ice. The trail had a steep rock face on one side and a severe slope into a canyon on the other. She was wearing a light jacket, shorts, and tennis shoes, which were inadequate for the conditions. Due to the risk of falling and her lack of proper clothing, a hoist rescue was initiated.
The sheriff’s department deployed a rescue helicopter, and a medic was lowered to assist Burger. She and her dog were safely hoisted from the mountainside without any reported injuries.
Officials reminded the public to be prepared with adequate hiking gear, clothing, food, and water when heading to mountain regions. They also noted that some areas of Mt. Baldy remain closed after the recent Bridge Fire, and trespassers could face fines of up to $5,000. More information on trail closures can be found on the U.S. Forest Service website.
Recent Comments