2 Homeless Women, 10 Dogs Rescued After Stranded on Small Dirt Island in Middle of California River

— -- Crews with the Los Angeles County fire and sheriff departments rescued two homeless women, four adult dogs and a litter of six puppies from a small dirt island in the middle of the San Gabriel River in South El Monte, California, this morning.

The island that the women and dogs were found on is actually part of the river's bed, which is usually dry, according to Los Angeles County Fire inspector Richard Licon.

"A lot of homeless people have recently moved into that river bed area," Licon told ABC News today. "The city is concerned with how to get them out and move them to a safer area."

Heavy rains this morning caused water in the river bed to rise, trapping the women and dogs, Licon said.

A Los Angeles County Fire Department crew responded to the scene, but the rising waters raised concerns about a rescue. The team called the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department air crew for assistance.

The sheriff's department air crew was able to hoist the two women and all 10 dogs back to dry land via helicopter, Licon said. He added that they were all deemed OK, and the dogs have been taken in by the county's animal control department.