Hikers rescued after being trapped by forest fire near Lions Bay
'We walked into a wall of flames,' says one hiker
Two hikers were flown to safety after finding themselves stuck above a forest fire near Lions Bay, B.C., on Monday.
City officials said flames broke out near the Tunnel Bluffs trail on Brunswick Mountain over the weekend.
Six people found themselves near the flames on Monday afternoon. Four were able to walk to safety, but the other two were too high up the mountain.
The hikers, Josh and Tammy, were at the top of the trail when they smelled smoke.
"We came down and we kind of walked into a wall of flames," said Josh. "Luckily it was the same time the firefighters came up."
With the fire blocking the trail, firefighters walked the pair back up to a place big enough for a rescue helicopter to land.
Both hikers said they were grateful to be down the mountain.
"Just a thank you [to rescue crews]," he said. "Literally, they saved our asses."
The rescue organization initially said eight people were near the fire but later said the number was six.
Team member Francois Xavier-Gagnon said SAR crews believe there are no other people in danger.
Lions Bay Fire Chief Andrew Oliver said the fire was about the size of a soccer field.
The B.C. Wildfire Service said the fire was likely sparked by people.