Vernon SAR Completes Challenging Night Rescue at Fintry Falls

July 8 2026 - Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) members were called out last night to assist an injured patient in the steep, rugged terrain around Fintry Falls.

Just before 7 p.m., BCEHS requested help from the team. Twenty VSAR volunteers responded alongside North Westside Fire, who quickly reached the patient for initial assessment.

With injuries and difficult ground making evacuation tough, the team requested the Penticton SAR Class D Helicopter Longline Team.

As daylight faded and plans were set in motion, strong swirling winds through the canyon made helicopter operations unsafe. Adding to the difficulty, smoke from the Boston Bar wildfire drifted in, further complicating the scene.

The team switched to their backup plan and carried out a rope rescue. The patient was packaged and secured in a basket, then carefully raised approximately 65 metres up the canyon wall with help from North Westside Fire. The individual was then transferred to waiting BCEHS crews.

The operation wrapped up at 2 a.m. after gear was sorted and a debrief completed.VSAR expressed thanks to North Westside Fire, BCEHS, and Penticton & District Search & Rescue for their support.

For the full story and more details, visit the Vernon Search And Rescue Group Society Facebook page.

Vernon SAR Completes Challenging Night Rescue at Fintry Falls