Who pays the costs to 'rescue' folks stranded on Mt Hood???

Question

There are 3 climbers needing rescue, presently, amidst high avalanche threats . . . this means many rescue personnel and much machinery must be called into action to accomplish this mission.

Who pays for the man hours, and high fuel costs for helicopters, plows, etc . . .???

Thanx 'ohkama' - for mentioning the dog . . .
I didn't want to open up that can of worms - taking a Lab into those weather conditions??? Are we noticing something called animal abuse now? This poor domesticated animal subjected to constant snow and cold on it's foot pads???

Answer 1

The taxpayers pay. BUT there is insurance long distance hikers and mountain climbers can buy to pay for resuce expenses.

I think you can get it when you sign up to climb Mount Rainier.

But why the heck climb a mountain like Mount Hood in February?
It's dangerous enough to climb any mountain in summer, but climb in winter?

Answer 2

The tax payer pays as usual. And the people who show a total lack of intelligence by climbing a mountain in winter in snow will no doubt sell their story to someone and make lots of money from it. Someone will always write an article or make a film of it.

Shouldn't any profits the climbers make from their story be sequestered to help pay for the rescue?

Answer 3

u forgot the dog too.
I think all these climbers need to get arressted as soon as they get down!!! Such nonsense going up there in heavy snow and getting stuck. Am watching it now and all i see is dense heavy snow!!

Answer 4

I think they should charge back the cost to the hikers...those people know the risks before going.

Answer 5

unfortunately for the taxpayers of the state of Oregon, they get stuck with that bill.

Answer 6

you (the taxpayer) pay for that,
and don't worry about the dogs, they do fine

Answer 7

Everybody if they use military equipment....