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Update: Family of four safe after high angle rescue

West Kelowna Fire and Rescue hike into save a family stranded on a steep cliff
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Update: 10:55

A family of four is safe after being rescued from a steep cliff on Mt. Boucherie in a coordinated effort between West Kelowna Fire Rescue (WKFR), Central Okanagan Search and Rescue and the RCMP.

WKFR members, along with search and rescue, hiked into a very steep and technical section of a side trail on Mt. Boucherie to locate the family, who had called 911 for assistance. The family was on a steep side trail with poor footing and had decided to stay in the same location, rather than push on, according to WKFR.

When the emergency call was made at 5:26 p.m., WKFR crews were at a structure fire nearby, but several were released to go to the scene, accessing the trail from Lakeview Cove Road in the Lakeview Heights area.

RCMP were in contact with the family and provided the rescue crew with GPS coordinates. After a 45-minute hike the family was located.

“The rescue team devised a plan to assist the family down the steep and rocky slope,” stated WKFR. “A rope system was set up and the family members were safely lowered to a main-trail near the bottom of the cliff. Once the family members were on the main-trail, WKFR firefighters and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) members walked the individual family members to safety. All family members were checked by BC Ambulance paramedics before being released from the scene.”

Ten personnel from WKFR were on scene. along with West Kelowna RCMP and COSAR. BC Ambulance Paramedics were called to the scene in case one of the family members or responder required medical treatment.

Update: 8:40 p.m.

At least two people have walked out of a trail in a park in West Kelowna and there could be more hikers in need of help on the trail.

Search and Rescue officials emerged from the trail near Lakeview Cove in West Kelowna at 8:25 p.m. this evening with what appeared to be a mother and daughter.

Emergency crews were called to the scene to assist a group of hikers from a trail near Lakeview Cove.

According to a freelance photographer at the scene emergency officials have gone back up the trail.

Emergency crews have been stationed on Lakeview Cove in West Kelowna since early this evening.

The location is near Eain Lamont Park.

Update: 7:25 p.m.

Emergency crews remain on the scene at Mount Boucherie Park, after being called to a rescue early this evening.

Quads are now on the scene, as well as West Kelowna Fire and Rescue at Lake View Cove near Mount Boucherie park.

RCMP have been on the scene as well as ambulance but both fire and ambulance both left the scene as of 7:30 p.m., according to freelance photographer David Ogilvie, who is at the scene.

Three fire engines remain at the entrance to the park as well as a command crew vehicle.

Original:

Emergency crews are on the scene of a reported rescue at Mount Boucherie Regional Park.

Crews including West Kelowna Fire and Rescue are on scene and are awaiting more emergency responders.

Crews are reportedly waiting for a high angle rescue unit to respond to the scene.

There are not many details at this moment but the Capital News will update this story as it unfolds.

If you see news or have a news tip, please contact us at newstips@kelownacapnews.com

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West Kelowna Fire and Rescue crews at the base camp on Lake View Cove Rd. - Image: David Ogilvie