A collaborative effort by Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) and multiple fire departments saved two hikers in Fintry Provincial Park on Monday, July 7.
Around 7 p.m., West Kelowna Fire Rescue (WKFR) was asked to assist the North Westside Fire Department (NWFD) in rescuing the two hikers, who were at the bottom of the waterfalls in the park.
When WKFR arrived, they found the two hikers, with one having serious but non-life threatening injuries. The other was uninjured.
In order to be rescued, the injured hiker was winched 180 feet by a COSAR helicopter and lifted out of the canyon. They were than transferred to Kelowna General Hospital by BC Emergency Services.
The other hiker was able to walk away on their own out of the canyon.
"West Kelowna Fire Rescue would like to remind the public the importance of staying on marked trails when adventuring in the outdoors," stated a press release from WKFR assistant fire chief Trevor Bredin.
WKFR responded with two rescues, one safety officer, and one command unit. COSAR, NWFD, the RCMP, and BCEHS also supported the scene.
