04/23/2026
04/20/26 - 21:14
The Maine Warden service was advised of two hikers that had become immobile and in danger of exposure near the summit of Avery Peak in the Bigelow mountain range of Dead River Twp. At the top of the Fire Warden’s Trail. Warden Garrett Moody compiled information regarding the hiker’s location, situation, and condition.
04/20/26 - 21:17
Information update; Female patient showing signs of hypothermia. Phone contact with the calling party provided communication.
04/20/26 - 21:32
Maine Warden Service requests Eustis Fire and Rescue be toned for assistance. Firefighters C. Dolan, L. Dolan, S. Niles, W. Schnorr, T. Capraro responding.
04/20/26 - 21:33
Franklin Search and Rescue activated for additional resources to assist with potential carry out.
04/20/26 - 22:16
Command post and staging area established at Fire Warden trailhead. EFD W. Schnorr and T. Capraro assume command.
04/20/26 - 22:45
Team 1 (EFD C. Dolan, L. Dolan, S. Niles and Warden G. Moody) begin ascent up the Fire Warden Trail en route to the patient's location.
04/20/26 - 23:49
Team 2 (2 members of FSAR) begin to ascend up the Fire Warden Trail with a stokes basket in anticipation of patient carry out.
04/20/26 - 23:58
Team 3 (3 members of the Maine Warden service) begin to ascend up the Fire Warden Trail for manpower.
04/21/26 - 00:12
Additional members from Carrabassett Fire and FSAR off at staging area. Standing by for further assistance and manpower.
04/21/26 - 01:07
Team 1 (EFD C. Dolan, L. Dolan, S. Niles and Warden G. Moody) make contact with patients via phone. Approximately half a mile from their location. Female patient condition has improved since last communication. Still immobile.
04/21/26 - 01:46
Team 1 (EFD C. Dolan, L. Dolan, S. Niles and Warden G. Moody) on scene with both patients. Approximately 5 miles from staging. Elevation gain 2,600ft. Current elevation 3,891ft. Patient carry out has been ruled out with the safer availability of a helicopter extraction. Team 1 will remain on scene to stabilize and continue patient care until helicopter evac from the National Guard.
04/21/26 - 02:01
Team 2 (2 members of FSAR) and Team 3 (3 members of the Maine Warden service) cancelled, beginning descent to staging area from approximately halfway up the Fire Warden Trail.
04/21/26 - 02:07
Team 1 (EFD C. Dolan, L. Dolan, S. Niles and Warden G. Moody) have establish a fire and outfit both patients with multiple large heating packs and package patients in additional warm layers.
04/21/26 - 02:44
Request made to National Guard for blackhawk extraction for both patients from current location near summit.
04/21/26 - 03:30
National Guard accepts mission for extraction. Flight team being assembled and briefed.
04/21/26 - 05:21
Team 2 (2 members of FSAR) and Team 3 (3 members of the Maine Warden service) arrive back at the staging area.
04/21/26 - 06:05
National Guard Blackhawk has launched from Bangor, 35 minute ETA to patient location. EMS 71 toned to Carrabassett Airport to receive patients from the National Guard.
04/21/26 - 06:15
CVFD off at Carrabassett Airport to secure landing zone for National Guard.
04/21/26 - 06:47
Team 1 (EFD C. Dolan, L. Dolan, S. Niles and Warden G. Moody) prepare patients for extraction and perform ground assistance. Both patients have been extracted from the summit by National Guard Blackhawk.
04/21/26 - 06:48
Helicopter is on the ground at Carrabassett Airport. Both patients transferred to EMS 71 for further evaluation and care.
04/21/26 - 06:53
Team 1 (EFD C. Dolan, L. Dolan, S. Niles and Warden G. Moody) begin descent, returning to staging area.
04/21/26 - 09:48
Team 1 (EFD C. Dolan, L. Dolan, S. Niles and Warden G. Moody) arrive at staging area. All units clear of the scene and return to Eustis Fire house. Command terminated.
04/21/26 - 10:09
All units in quarters and off the air.
The Eustis Fire Department would like to extend our thanks to the organizations and individuals that made this incident a success. Teamwork throughout each aspect was key to a safe and successful outcome. We would also like to remind our community to always plan ahead, stay safe, and reach out for help when you find yourself in need.
We will answer the call, we will always be ready.