Two Cal Fire firefighters were injured overnight after being struck by a large falling rock while battling the Green Fire near Yucaipa. Officials say the crew was constructing a containment line on a steep hillside when the rock broke loose from a cliff above and hit the firefighters. Because of the rugged terrain, the injured firefighters were unable to walk out on their own. Fellow crew members used canvas litters to carefully carry them down the hillside before they were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not released details on the firefighters’ conditions, but video from the scene showed both were conscious and able to speak as they were rescued. Earlier in the evening, a third firefighter was also taken to a hospital after suffering a heat-related illness while working on the fire. The Green Fire remains under investigation as crews continue working to strengthen containment lines in challenging conditions.
