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Hikers rescued in Grant Creek area

Hikers rescued in Grant Creek area
Posted at 8:10 AM, Jul 09, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-09 10:10:54-04

A pair of hikers and their dog were rescued early Thursday morning after becoming lost in the Grant Creek area.

Missoula County 911 Dispatch received a phone call Wednesday evening from two hikers and their dog who were lost following a long day hike.

The hikers had items sufficient for a day hike but not enough equipment and clothing to stay overnight, according to Missoula County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Jeannette Smith.

Missoula County Search and Rescue was called put at approximately 10:45 p.m. Wednesday evening.

Search teams deployed to the areas of highest probability based on the information provided to Missoula County 911 and likely direction of travel.

Smith says 911 dispatchers played an instrumental role in the search as the hikers had a ‘911 Only’ phone, therefore they were only able to communicate directly with dispatchers.

In turn, dispatchers were able to relay critical information to ground searchers via handheld radios in real-time.

Search and Rescue found the two hikers and their dog at 1:57 a.m. Thursday morning.

Smith says the hikers were found in good condition and began the hike out through dense vegetation and creek crossings. Search and Rescue personnel and hikers made it out of the woods to safety at 5:19 a.m.