Firefighters Rescue Lost Hiker In Weston: Fire Officials

WESTON, CT — A hiker who became lost in Devil's Den Preserve in Weston on Thursday was located and escorted to safety by Weston firefighters after an emergency response that lasted close to an hour, according to fire officials.

Weston police and firefighters were dispatched to the preserve at 3:42 p.m. after receiving a report of a lost hiker.

The Weston Emergency Communications Center determined the hiker's approximate location before losing contact with the caller.

A unified incident command post was established with Weston police and a representative from The Nature Conservancy.

Because of the steep terrain near the hiker's last reported location, firefighters had to enter the area on foot.

Emergency personnel located the hiker and assisted them out of the preserve without incident by 4:30 p.m.

The response included the following Weston fire apparatus: Car 1, Car 2, Car 3, Rescue 5, Truck 6, Truck 8 and UTV-1. All units returned to service by 4:49 p.m.

"As daylight hours decrease with the end of daylight saving time this weekend, hikers are encouraged to take additional precautions to keep themselves safe," officials with the Weston Volunteer Fire Department wrote on Facebook. "Check sunset times before heading out and allow sufficient time to complete your hike before dark. Ensure your phone is fully charged, dress for the weather and stay on marked trails. It is also important to inform someone of your planned route and expected return time."