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Northern California Cave Safety Alert: Rescuers Issue 10 Tips
Siskiyou County, CA – Search and rescue crews in Northern California are urging cave explorers to take extra precautions after completing specialized underground rescue training over the weekend, high
By Mara Ellison · 2026-10-13T16:54:41.433Z
Siskiyou County, CA – Search and rescue crews in Northern California are urging cave explorers to take extra precautions after completing specialized underground rescue training over the weekend, highlighting the challenges of reaching injured or lost visitors inside the region's lava tubes.
According to the Siskiyou County Sheriff 's Office, its Search and Rescue team gathered at Pluto's Cave during the October 10 11 weekend to practice emergency response techniques in challenging underground conditions.
The exercises focused on cave safety, navigating difficult terrain, transporting injured individuals using rescue litters, communication and team coordination.
Officials said cave rescues are relatively uncommon in Siskiyou County, but specialized preparation remains essential to safely evacuating people when emergencies occur.
Photographs shared by the sheriff's office showed rescue personnel wearing helmets and protective equipment while navigating rocky passages and carrying rescue equipment through the cave.
Alongside the training update, officials issued safety recommendations for residents and visitors planning to explore Northern California's caves and lava tubes.
The sheriff's office advised explorers to tell someone their planned route and expected return time before entering a cave.
Visitors should also wear a UIAA certified climbing helmet and carry three independent light sources, including at least two headlamps, along with spare batteries.
Authorities strongly discouraged exploring caves alone, recommending groups of at least four people.
Additional precautions include wearing appropriate footwear, avoiding uncontrolled sliding on steep surfaces and maintaining three points of contact when navigating difficult terrain.
Explorers should also establish a reliable way to retrace their route, research cave conditions beforehand and consult local land management agencies or experienced guides.
Emergency supplies, including food, water and warm clothing, are also recommended even for shorter excursions.
The sheriff's office emphasized that proper planning can make a critical difference during underground emergencies.
The weekend event was a scheduled training exercise, not an actual rescue operation.