Emergency crews rescued a man early Thursday after he fell into a ponding basin near Highway 33 and Gale Avenue, just north of Coalinga, CalFire reported.

Fire officials said the first engine crew on scene found the man about 60 feet down the embankment.

A technical rescue team was called in and used an Arizona Vortex system to lower a rescuer to the man and safely raise them both.

The man was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

Authorities urged the public to be mindful of their surroundings, especially when walking near areas with steep drop-offs.

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