09/19/2026
On September 18th at approximately 3:42 PM, the Danby Volunteer Fire Company responded to a report of a hiker stuck in a tree off Michigan Hollow Road.
Upon arrival, crews located an unoccupied SUV parked along the roadway. Verbal contact was established with the patient, who was approximately 500 feet from the road in a densely wooded area. Crews cleared a path through the brush to access the patient, who was found approximately seven feet above the ground with his knee trapped in the fork of a tree. The patient reported that he had climbed the tree to take a photograph of the surrounding swamp when his knee slipped and became lodged. Fortunately, the patient had cell service and was able to contact 911.
Crews assessed the patient and manually supported the limb to relieve pressure and restore circulation. Due to the patient’s position and the difficulty of the extrication, additional resources and specialized equipment were requested. The Ithaca Fire Department and its rope rescue team responded as mutual aid to assist with the extrication. With the additional personnel and specialized equipment, crews were able to safely extricate the patient from the tree. The patient was found to be uninjured following the incident.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Bangs Ambulance, Ithaca Fire Department, Tompkins EMS, and West Danby Fire and Rescue. As always, we appreciate the continued support of our community and our partner agencies.
As a reminder, always hike with a partner and be aware that many of our forests have limited or no cell service. If you choose to hike alone, make sure someone knows where you are going and when you expect to return. Taking a few simple precautions can make a significant difference in an emergency. Stay safe out there!
