Harrowing video shows helicopter rescue of several people and their dogs from California wildfire

While the Woolsey Fire in southern California, is largely contained (96% as of Monday night) some of the terrifying images from the last several weeks are continuing to trickle out, including the above video of an absolutely incredible rescue.  The footage is harrowing, taken from a helmet cam, as rescuers navigate a helicopter among the wind, smoke, and fire to land safely and rescue three people — and two dogs — on Castro Peak near Malibu.  SEE ALSO: Terrifying footage shows Southern California fires nipping at a highway It also offers up a rare perspective of what it takes to make these rescues, how complicated and dangerous they are and the risks taken by first responders in dire situations — in this case LAFD Air Operations pilots David Nordquist and Joel Smith.  Even more impressive is the way the pair kept calm and pulled off the rescue without a hitch. One even drily commented, "That was enough excitement for me today."  True heroism.