Man Goes Down On Mountain Trail, Prompting Rescue Op

MOUNTAIN CENTER, CA — A hiker suffered injuries during a fall Thursday on a trail in rough terrain east of Mountain Center, requiring firefighters to organize a rescue operation to bring him out of the San Bernardino National Forest.

The hiker down call was received about 3:05 p.m. on the Pacific Crest Trail, in the vicinity of Apache Peak, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

Crews were unable to drive anywhere close to where the man was left stranded due to what a battalion chief at the scene described as "steep, rugged terrain" that would require a three- to four-hour hike by firefighters to reach him.

Crews were staging near a residence in the 58900 block of Apple Canyon Road, according to the fire department.

Firefighters were seeking a Cal Fire or sheriff's helicopter to airlift the man off of the trail, but it was unclear as of 3:30 p.m. if the choppers would be available.

The circumstances behind the man's fall -- nor the extent of his injuries -- were immediately known.

— By City News Service