On the night of the earthquake, about 250 people were camped in the Madison River Canyon. Their escape was blocked by highway destruction at Hebgen Lake and a huge slide at the mouth of the canyon. Realizing they were trapped, most of the people gathered on the ridge behind this point. The misery and confusion of the night were relieved by many acts of kindness and mutual assistance. A Forest Service smoke jumper rescue team parachuted to this point to give first aid and prepare the injured for evacuation. They were flown from the area by U.S. Air Force and Forest Service contract helicopters.