Emergency crews called for rope rescue at Devil's Punchbowl

Two people had to be rescued when they got stuck climbing at the Devil's Punchbowl on Monday afternoon, Hamilton fire officials say.

Fire safety officer Steve McArthur said crews were called in at 4:23 p.m. at the waterfall.

"They found two hikers who became trapped," McArthur said. The two people were climbing the cliff face near the lookout when they realized they couldn't safely move up or down, he added.

Two firefighters lowered themselves down from the lookout, and got the two people into harnesses, McArthur said. They were then safely lowered to the bottom.

Both people were checked by paramedics, and were not injured, he said.

Rope rescues at Hamilton's waterfalls have come under increased scrutiny over the last year.

The city has since erected fencing at Albion Falls, and started charging people who contravene bylaws dictating where they should hike.