Video: Woman rescued from bushfire after waving down helicopter with towel
Aerial crews noticed a woman in distress while fighting fires in Tasmania, and she was nearly swallowed by heavy smoke as trees burned around her.
Australia's first responders complete helicopter rescue amid bushfire
Firefighters in Tasmania, Australia, rescued a woman who was signaling for help amid an out-of-control bushfire (Feb. 6, 2026).
TASMANIA, Australia – Bushfires in Australia continue to rage on as first responders work to get citizens to safety.
As firefighters responded to the spreading ground fires in Geeveston, Tasmania, aerial crews noticed a woman in distress within the fire footprint, according to police.
WATCH: OVER 150 WHALES STRANDED ON AUSTRALIAN BEACH CRY OUT ACROSS DEADLY SHORELINE
Aerial footage from firefighters shows the helicopter team circling the burning landscape and noticing a woman waving a towel, signaling for help.
The woman was spotted, but nearly swallowed by heavy smoke as trees around her burned.
Watch: 3 rescued after falling through icy waters in Queens
The NYPD and FDNY rescued three people on Friday who fell into the icy waters in Far Rockaway.
Thankfully, aerial fire crews were able to dump water around the woman to keep the flames at bay while she waited for a winch helicopter, as there were no suitable landing zones for the initial crew on the scene.
Rescue crews eventually reached the distressed woman, guided her out of the charred forest and prepared for a winch extraction.
PORTLAND, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: HM Coastguard rescue helicopter (AgustaWestland AW189) raises a winch paramedic during a training exercise on the cliffs, on October 25, 2024 in Portland, United Kingdom.
(Finnbarr Webster / Getty Images)
There were no reports of injuries as crews continue to battle nine other bushfires in the state.
SEE IT: FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND BAT BRIDGE CONSTRUCTED TO SAFELY HOUSE PLETHORA OF SPECIES
U.S. experts suggest that in order to avoid being caught in a situation like this, consider making plans with friends or family to shelter with them, where you may be safer and more comfortable.