News Summary
Two male hikers were rescued from South Mountain after becoming overheated and lost during a hike under extreme temperatures. The Phoenix Fire Department received distress reports and dispatched rescue crews, including a helicopter operation. The hikers, who started their trek earlier in the day, were located approximately a mile from the trailhead. They were transported to a local hospital and are in stable condition. With temperatures reaching 111º Fahrenheit, the incident highlights the dangers of hiking during heat warnings in Phoenix.
Phoenix – Two male hikers were rescued from South Mountain late Tuesday night after suffering from overheating and becoming lost. The Phoenix Fire Department received reports around 8 p.m. that the hikers were in distress and needed assistance.
The two individuals began their hike around 4 p.m., but rapidly became ill due to the extreme heat conditions. They were located by rescue crews approximately one mile from the trailhead. A helicopter operation was deployed to facilitate their rescue, and both hikers were subsequently transported to a local hospital. Reports indicate that they are currently in stable condition.
On that day, Phoenix recorded peak temperatures of 111º Fahrenheit around 4:40 p.m., according to data from the National Weather Service. With such extreme heat, an Extreme Heat Warning was in effect, leading to the restriction of access to multiple Valley trails from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., including those on South Mountain.
Heat-related incidents have become increasingly common during the summer months in Phoenix. Each year, more than 200 hikers require rescue due to various emergencies on the trails. This year alone has seen a surge in mountain rescues and emergency responses related to high temperatures. Notable incidents include:
- Four individuals suffering from heat-related issues on Camelback Mountain.
- A hiking group, including children, requiring assistance on South Mountain.
- A hiker who was found dead near Black Canyon City, with heat as a contributing factor.
- A missing hiker found deceased in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Firefighters reported that no injuries occurred among personnel during the rescue operation for the two hikers. In response to the ongoing extreme heat warnings affecting trail accessibility, the Phoenix Fire Department has intensified its rescue efforts to ensure the safety of those venturing into the mountainous areas.
Given the conditions, the Phoenix Fire Department urges hikers to stay informed about weather conditions and abide by trail access restrictions, especially during periods of excessive heat. Arizona’s Family has reached out to the Phoenix Fire Department for confirmation regarding the status of the trail the hikers were utilizing during the rescue.
As extreme weather patterns continue to challenge outdoor enthusiasts, increased awareness and caution are vital for ensuring safe hiking experiences throughout the region.
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Additional Resources
- Arizona’s Family
- Wikipedia: Hiking
- ABC15
- Google Search: Heat Related Hiking Incidents
- AZ Central
- Google Scholar: Hiking Safety in Extreme Heat
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hiking Safety
- 12 News
- Google News: Phoenix Hiking Heat Warnings
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
