08/10/2026
On August 9, 2026, shortly after 2:00 p.m., the Manchester Communications Center received a 911 call reporting that a hiker had fallen at Lye Brook Falls and was injured.
Manchester Police Department, Manchester Fire Department VT, and Northshire Rescue Squad were dispatched to the scene. Responding agencies established a staging area off the Lye Brook Trailhead. Lye Brook Falls is located approximately 2.3 miles from the trailhead, with approximately 900 feet of elevation change, requiring responders to travel a significant distance into the area. The injured hiker was located within the falls, in difficult and challenging terrain.
Due to the location and complexity of the rescue, additional assistance was requested from Dorset Fire Department, East Dorset Fire Department, Pawlet Volunteer Fire Department, West Pawlet Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., Rupert VT Volunteer Fire Department, and Arlington VT Fire Department.
Because of the technical nature of the rescue and the difficult terrain, a technical rescue team from City of Rutland Fire Department was also requested to assist with the operation.
LifeNet of New York was requested to respond to the Manchester Public Safety Facility, where the helicopter landed. The medical crew was transported to the scene to assist with the rescue and provide medical care.
The U.S. Forest Service and Vermont Fish & Wildlife Wardens also assisted with the rescue operation.
The Manchester Communications Center coordinated the multi-agency response, bringing together fire, EMS, law enforcement, and state and federal resources to safely reach and assist the injured hiker in the challenging terrain.
