PASO ROBLES, CA – On February 13, 2025, Paso Robles Police and Fire dispatch received a report of individuals stranded on an island in the Salinas River. Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services responded with three engines, a Battalion Chief, and Rescue 8151 with Boat 8140, which was upstaffed due to the storm.

Crews were able to launch Boat 8140 and safely rescue nine individuals from riverbed encampments. The Paso Robles Police Department, CHP Helicopter 70, and San Luis Ambulance assisted with victim location and assessment. None of the victims required medical treatment, and no responders were injured.

Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind residents of the importance of heeding evacuation messages. The Salinas River poses significant life and health hazards due to dangerous river flow and high bacteria levels. Evacuation warnings were issued to riverbed occupants starting on Monday, February 10, with additional storm and evacuation warnings continuing throughout the week.