Mission Incident
Incident Name: Mission Incident
Date Reported: 02/13/2025
Time Reported: 2102 hours
Incident Location: Mission Inn Bridge X Santa Ana River
Ward #: Ward 1 Falcone
Type of Incident: Water Rescue
Incident Number: RIV #25-005847
Control Time: 2330 hours
Fatalities: 0
Critical:
Moderate:
Minor:
Non Injury: 2
Displaced Persons: 4
Loss:
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Cause:
Evacuations: No
Evacuation Comments: N/A
Resources Assigned
Chief Officer(s):
Engine Companies: 3
Truck Companies: 1
Squad(s):
Ambulance(s): 2
Firefighter(s): 39
Safety Officer(s):
Public Information Officer(s):
Fire Investigator(s):
Overhead Personnel:
Mutual Aid:
Specialized Equipment:
EOC:
Utilities:
Red Cross:
Percent (%) Contained or Completed:
Total (%) of Perimeter that will be Contained:
Incident Size Acreage:
Current Situation
On February 13th, 2024, at 9:02 p.m., the Riverside Fire Department responded to a water rescue call in the Santa Ana River Bottom, located between Highway 60 and Mission Inn Ave, where two adult males and two dogs were trapped by fast-moving water. The men had a cell phone, which allowed fire dispatch to pinpoint their location using What3Words and GIS technology. Fire crews employed ESRI Field Maps along with What3Words to navigate to the area and begin the rescue.
The first arriving engine crew made voice contact with the men, though they were not visible. The Riverside Fire Water Rescue team, along with a regional OES Water Rescue team, responded. A team member deployed a UAV with thermal imaging, which, despite the rain, successfully located the men. They were found clinging to trees with their feet dangling in the water.
Due to weather conditions grounding local helicopters, a rescue plan using boats was developed. Crews used chainsaws to clear a path and prepare a safe area for boat deployment. The Mission Inn Bridge was closed in both directions during the operation.
Both men were safely rescued and evaluated at the scene but declined further assistance. There were no injuries to either the firefighters or civilians. The incident was concluded at 1:35 a.m. on February 14th, 2024. The Riverside Fire Department effectively utilized technology from ESRI, What3Words, and a UAV to locate the individuals.
Assisting Aid Agencies
Incident Commander: Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst
Prepared By: Battalion Chief Scott Richmond
Date / Time Posted: 01/22/2025 at 2255 hours
Information Center: 951.826.5321
