Hikers were cited and will be billed
The Madison Twp. Vol. Fire Company along with Rykers Ridge Fire, Clifty 6 Fire/Rescue and Hanover Fire/Rescue responded to a call of a rescue in Clifty Falls State Park last night at 2300hrs. We were also had help from Clifty Falls Park Managers and staff along with Indiana Conservation Officers. Along with Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. KDH Ems also standing By incase we needed them.
The two adults had went hiking when it got dark they could not find there way out. The Rescue Companies on scene retrieved rescue equipment to prepare for a rescue, Asst. Chief from Madison Twp. and a firefighter from Rykers Ridge scouted out a the location to see if it was possible to do a High Angle rescue. The park manager was able to talk the male and female down and brought them to trail 2 and then trail 8 to a John Deere Gator to drive them out.
The Indiana Conservation Officer cited them for being off the trail. The Fire Company will be billing the couple for the response as we do for all calls.
We would like to remind people that there are sign's posted that the trail's are marked at the start of the trails that they are closed at dusk which means 30 minutes before sunset.
This is our 27 call to Clifty Falls State Park this year. Please keep in mind that poor judgement in these incidents ties up equipment for several hours to do these type of rescues. Night time rescues are the worst ones to do and we will not put rescue personnel in danger like this.
Thanks to all responders that responded we had a total of 30 rescuers on scene.