iStock/Thinkstock(LOS ANGELES) — Eight hikers were led to safety after a raging wildfire in northern California stranded them for at least five days, officials said.
A Cal Fire spokesperson said this was not technically a “rescue” as the hikers, who had been near the massive Soberanes fire in Monterey County for at least five days, were given the option to stay or leave, and they chose to walk down from the fire with firefighters.
The hikers were not injured and in fine condition, the spokesperson said. Once they walked down they were were given food and water at a Boy Scouts camp.
The Soberanes fire in Monterey County started on July 22 and has since burned 23,500 acres. It’s 10 percent contained.
Meanwhile, a second massive blaze is raging in southern California; the Sand fire has covered 38,000 acres in the Los Angeles area and is 40 percent contained.
The two fires prompted states of emergency to be declared Tuesday in Monterey County and Los Angeles County.
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