United States - January 05, 2026 Last night, San Bernardino County Fire crews responded to a dramatic swift water rescue on the Fork Mojave River. Firefighters found two adult men, soaked and stranded with a dog, on the opposite bank of the fast-moving river. The men had crossed the cold water to reach the dog, which was trapped in a small box canyon and cut off from flat land. Nightfall and frigid conditions made the situation extremely hazardous. Unable to safely return due to the strong current and lack of safety gear, the men called 911 for help. The county’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team arrived with four fire engines, an ambulance, a battalion chief, a drone, and a safety officer. Trained in a range of rescue scenarios, the USAR team transformed into a swift water rescue unit, using their recently refreshed boat training from November. Dressed in full specialized gear, the team deployed an inflatable rescue boat and safely transported the men and the dog across the river without injury. San Bernardino County Fire thanked the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for their support. Officials reminded the public that fast-moving rivers are deceptively dangerous, especially at night. Even shallow water can knock an adult off their feet, and currents can be stronger than they appear. Attempting a rescue without proper training, flotation devices, or equipment significantly increases the risk of drowning. “If an animal or person is stranded near or in moving water, do not attempt a rescue on your own. Call 911 and allow trained rescue professionals to respond,” the department warned.