Hamilton Fire Department personnel were called to the Devil's Punchbowl Monday to rescue a person who fell off the side.

Fire Information Officer Claudio Mostacci said the department was called at 4:20 p.m. to assist the person who was suffering from "extensive injuries" at the conservation area on Ridge Road in Stoney Creek.

Officials decided to carry the injured person out rather than perform a rope rescue.

By 5 p.m. the person was in the care of paramedics.

There have been more than two dozen rope-rescue calls so far this year in Hamilton.

That compares with last year's 19 calls.

City councillors have been discussing charging a rescue fee to recoup costs for risk-takers at various natural areas who make use of emergency services.