Firefighters rescue two climbers on Morro Rock
Climbers may face approximately two thousand dollars in fines
– Two people who illegally climbed Morro Rock were rescued by the Morro Bay Fire Department on Thursday afternoon, according to a report by the San Luis Obispo Tribune.
Firefighters arrived shortly after noon and found the climbers about halfway up the Rock, Morro Bay Fire Department Chief Daniel McCrain said. Firefighters ascended the Rock, made contact with the climbers and escorted them to the ground.
The climbers reportedly appeared to be in their mid-20s and seemed to be visiting the area. They could be responsible for an approximately $2,000 fine for scaling the Rock without authorization.
The state registered Morro Rock as a protected bird sanctuary for peregrine falcons and as a historic landmark, which are designations that prohibit climbing, according to the city of Morro Bay. Morro Rock is also a sacred site for the Chumash and Salinan Tribes. The Native American Heritage Commission authorized members of the Salinan Tribe to climb the Rock on the summer and winter solstice for cultural and religious ceremonies, according to the Tribune report.
The fine should be more that $2,000. they should have to pay for the entire rescue costs, at a minimum. Disrespectful and arrogant.
The fine should be more that $2,000. they should have to pay for the entire rescue costs, at a minimum. Disrespectful and arrogant.