A driver who became stranded by a storm-swollen creek was rescued in Refugio Canyon on Thursday afternoon by Santa Barbara County firefighters.
Emergency personnel were dispatched shortly after 1:30 p.m. to assist Devon Voigtsberger, 26, who had become stuck between two creek crossings about a half-mile up Refugio Road from Highway 101, according to fire Capt. Daniel Bertucelli.
Voigtsberger’s car was in a high area between the second and third creek crossings, Bertucelli said, and she was not in danger.
However, she was unable to safely drive through the creek.
“The driver made the right decision, and stayed put and called for assistance,” Bertucelli said.
A swift-water rescue team that had been staged ahead of Thursday’s powerful storm responded to the incident, and was able to help Voigtsberger to safety, Bertucelli said.
He added that she was assessed by medical personnel and found to be uninjured.
Crews remained on the scene to assist her in retrieving her vehicle once the water subsided.
— Noozhawk executive editor Tom Bolton can be reached at tbolton@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
