Dan Alpiner, a helicopter pilot, has been assisting in the fight against the enormous Creek Fire that is now raging in the wilds of central California.
The other day, Alpiner had a startling reminder of whose environment he and other fire personnel have been fighting so hard to preserve as he dropped bucket after bucket of water on the blaze.
Alpiner was hovering about 200 feet above the ground in his helicopter, readying to unleash a bucket of water on the fire, when he noticed a quick movement from an open side window.
“I saw this flutter out of the corner of my eye,” Alpiner told The Dodo. “I looked over, a little spooked, and we locked eyes.”
Amazingly, a wild owl had suddenly entered the aircraft, coming to rest on the seat next to Alpiner.
“He just kind of chilled out,” Alpiner said. “I was really surprised. He was super friendly — like he just wanted to say hi.”
Alpiner continued on as usual, telling his new copilot, “Well, let’s go do some work here, buddy,” and continuing the chore of putting out the fire.
For two refills and drops, the owl stayed at Alpiner’s side. Then, not far from where the helicopter had been when he had entered, he soared out the window.
Alpiner is unsure of how to interpret that amazing meeting, but he won’t soon forget it.
“I’m still having trouble understanding it. Just unbelievable, “said Alpiner. It was a once-in-a-lifetime type of experience.
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