Helicopter called to rescue/recovery operation in Grant County

SMOKE HOLE, W.Va. (WBOY) — Emergency crews from multiple counties in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle coordinated their efforts Wednesday during a rescue/recovery operation in a rural part of Grant County.

According to a social media post from the Petersburg Volunteer Fire Company, on Wednesday evening, multiple agencies were called to assist the department in performing a rescue and recovery operation of an injured person in a “rugged and remote” part of the Smoke Hole area.

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The post said the challenging terrain of the area required coordination from ground search teams, drones and “high-angle rescue teams,” as well as a Maryland State Police helicopter. The post also credited Grant County 911 for “an exceptional job behind the scenes coordinating everything requested and needed.”

No further details were provided about the incident “out of respect for the individuals involved and their families.” However, it is worth noting that the West Virginia Medical Examiner was called to the scene, according to the post.

The Petersburg Volunteer Fire Company was assisted by the Maysville Volunteer Fire Company, the Moorefield Volunteer Fire Department, the Upper Tract Volunteer Fire Department, the Pendleton County Tac Team, the Seneca Rocks Climbing Team, the Fountain Volunteer Fire Company, Grant County Ambulance, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, the Grant County Sheriff’s Department, Maryland State Police, Grant County 911 and the Grant County and West Virginia Medical Examiner.