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MISSOULA, Mont. — Firefighters rescued a seriously injured person after a fall near Mile Marker 1 on Highway 200 along the Blackfoot River on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

A Missoula Rural Fire District press release said crews were dispatched at about 12:04 p.m. after reports that the person fell from rocks into the river. The first engine got there in less than five minutes and found the patient about 50 feet below the cliffs in an area known as Heaven.

Firefighters spoke with the patient’s companion, who had already pulled the person from the water onto a small rock ledge about 15 feet above the river. With steep terrain making access tough, rescuers lowered a firefighter-paramedic by rope to begin advanced medical care.

Other rescue crews went to the Bonner Game Check area and launched a rescue boat. It then traveled downstream to reach the patient.

The fire district reported the patient had serious injuries and was on a narrow rock outcropping with very little room for rescuers to work. Crews determined taking the patient downstream by boat was the safest and fastest option.

Rescuers loaded the patient onto the boat and brought them to an extrication point near Kettle House Brewery. Firefighters then carried the patient to a Missoula Emergency Services Inc. ambulance for transport to Providence St. Patrick Hospital.

The rescue lasted about two hours, according to the fire district. Heavy rain during the call added to the difficulty.

The district also urged people to be careful around rivers, cliffs and other hazardous outdoor areas. It said conditions can change quickly and people should avoid unnecessary risks near steep drop-offs and swift water.